InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ Attraction ( Chapter 3 )

A/N: Poor Dyquem, I think the computer has it in for you. There's a reason for only two kids. I've dropped some hints, but they're pretty hard to find. Actually, there's a combination of two reasons, and I hint at one reason in NLtoL and the other in MM. I'll drop some more hints as we go, but it's not because I have so many characters. There's an actual, biological reason. And for those of you that want to see, the ages are going on the bottom of this. Kags and Sesshy jump in next chapter. I had to get the kids settled first. You will read about Rin later. She is not a major player. Sorry, I really am. I miss her dearly. Own zippidy doo dah.

 

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When Shou settled to the ground at the entrance of Hideaki's fortress all of the guards snapped to attention. Mizuki had visited often enough that most of them recognized her and her mount immediately. She had not come to visit since Cho had left, but they were not surprised to see her now that the lady had returned.

 

A very tired Shou dropped across Mizuki's shoulders and burrowed under her hair. They had pushed hard to make it in a day, and he was exhausted. He was not looking forward to the return trip. A gentle finger rubbed him under his chin, and he rumbled with pleasure. At least he would be treated like visiting royalty that night. The cooks knew him well.

 

A servant was already running to let the family know about the visitor, even as the gates were being closed behind the silent female. She knew the way to the front hall, and made her way there with scarcely a nod to anyone.

 

Hideaki was waiting for her, standing in the huge, empty room. Mizuki bowed deeply, a genuine show of respect for the tactical genius that had found time to tutor her on several of her visits.

 

“Mizuki-san, a pleasure to see you. I saw that my daughter had sent a message, but what could she have written to bring you to my door so quickly?” Hideaki had a small, almost fatherly smile.

 

“I have not seen her in quite some time, my lord.”

 

The leopard stared at her, smelling a half truth. “Very well. Perhaps you would like to surprise her. I believe she is in her rooms.”

 

“As it pleases you, my lord.” With another deep bow, Mizuki backed up before turning to leave. `If her father wishes for me to surprise her, who am I to deny him?'

 

Slipping outside, Mizuki moved around the building until she was outside of Cho's window. Inside she could hear the melody that Cho was creating with her beloved instrument. Even Mizuki had to admit that it was a joy to listen to her. The screen was open, allowing her to see inside. Cho was kneeling on the floor, wrapped up in the song.

 

The faint sound of silk made Cho turn her head, looking for the source. She saw no one, and returned her concentration to her music. She had missed a note while distracted, and it had jarred her sensitive ears.

 

“It is a good thing that I am not a threat.”

 

“Ah!” Cho jumped, causing a horrible jangle of notes to come from her koto. Shou hissed at the sound and Mizuki flattened her ears. “Mizuki! What do you think you're doing? If she is damaged you will be paying for it!”

 

Mizuki arched an eyebrow as her friend examined her instrument. “She?”

 

“Leave it, Mizuki.”

 

“I am merely suggesting that your koto is not alive.”

 

“Hush. You'll make her mad.” Cho gave a wicked smile as she finally focused on the inu-hanyou. “You made good time.”

 

“It did seem rather urgent. Does your father seem to have anyone picked out?”

 

“Hai.” Cho put her instrument away, ducking her face behind her hair. “Another influential lord who would be honored to have one of Hideaki's daughters as a mate.”

 

“And how much older is this one?”

 

“About four hundred years. He lost his first mate while she was giving birth, and father is thinking of offering me. Mother said so.”

 

Mizuki knelt on a cushion. “Is there anything official yet?”

 

“No. It would be unseemly, since that bastard has only been dead for a few months.”

 

There was a low growl when Mizuki thought of Cho's now deceased mate.

 

“Easy, Mizuki. He's gone now.”

 

“And I am getting you out of here so that your well intentioned father will not get you into another mess before you can deal with it.”

 

“Really? You think you can? I had only hoped for some support when I talked to him, but this would be even better. If he does not see me every day then he will not think about it as much. I just need some time, Mizuki.”

 

“And you will get it. Hideaki-sama owes me a favor, and I believe this is an excellent opportunity to use it.”

 

“Is your family all right with this?”

 

“Mother is delighted. Katsuro will survive.”

 

“I forgot about him. He can't still have a grudge. The last time I saw him he was an annoying adolescent.”

 

Mizuki chuckled. “He does carry a grudge still, but he will behave himself. Mother will make sure of that.”

 

“Please tell me he grew up.”

 

“Hai. He is now an annoying adult.”

 

“Well, it has been awhile, but I still know how to make a nice mudbomb.”

 

“I have missed you.”

 

----

 

Mizuki was not at all surprised that Mayu had the same opinion of Hideaki's next choice that she did. The Lady enlisted her to help convince the Northern Lord to let Cho have a little vacation before allying her to a new family. Their target was outside, discussing some work on the walls around his home. When he saw Mizuki and Mayu he broke away to greet them. “Ladies, what brings you out here?”

 

“Mizuki-san is worried about Cho.”

 

Centuries of practice kept Mizuki's reactions hidden, but she wanted to gape at Mayu and maybe smack her on the back of the head. `What kind of a plan is that?'

 

“Really? Why?” Hideaki watched Mizuki closely, looking for small hints.

 

“She thinks Cho looks depressed, and needs a change of scenery.”

 

“Interesting. And where does Mizuki-san want to take Cho?”

 

“Back to her home. You cannot get much more different then Sesshomaru's court.”

 

`And what do you mean by that?' Mizuki forced her body to relax again.

 

“I am not sure about this. Cho does not need the added stress of hectic surroundings. Is Mizuki-san sure that this is in my daughter's best interest?”

 

Mayu crossed her arms. “Don't be an old goat. Mizuki-san always has Cho-chan's best interests in mind. Besides, you owe her a favor for helping you with that little rebellion. Let her spend some time with her friend.”

 

“In that case, I do not see any harm in Cho visiting with Sesshomaru-sama's family, especially if it will alleviate Mizuki-san's concerns.” Hideaki tried not to smile at the silent female. `That should get her.'

 

`Am I not standing here? There seems to be a lot that I am saying, and yet I do not remember saying anything. Mizuki-san's concerns. That jerk.' One ear twitched, but the rest of Mizuki did not move. `Damn ears.'

 

“Well then, I will go and tell Cho that she needs to pack for a trip. Arigato, Hideaki.” Mayu smiled before walking away.

 

Mizuki bowed, ignoring Hideaki's smirk. `Feh.'

 

“And how concerned are you, Mizuki-san?”

 

She knew he was teasing her, but she felt as though she had to say something. “Now that she is away from Hachi-san my concerns are considerably lessened.”

 

Hideaki frowned. “I did not know, Mizuki-san. You must know that I would not have let her stay there if I had been told.”

 

“I understand, my lord. And an excellent leader always learns from his mistakes.”

 

“And what are you suggesting, pup?”

 

Mizuki ground her teeth a bit at the reminder of her relative youth. “I am suggesting nothing.”

 

“You are suggesting that I be more careful with my daughter this time. She will make a powerful alliance for me. I do not share your mother's obsession for romance.”

 

“And neither do I, my lord. I agree that you should match her for the most advantageous position possible.”

 

“Finish your thought, pup.”

 

“He should not have hurt her. She is not a fighter.”

 

“Walk with me.” Hideaki set out across the grounds. “Cho decided to hide that incident from everyone. She even swore her mother to secrecy when she found out. I knew that they did not get along well, but I had no reason to suspect that things had gone that far.”

 

“But why would she hide this?”

 

“She considered it her duty to make the alliance work. It is for the best he died, for if I had found out and killed him, her work would have been wasted.”

 

“Perhaps.”

 

“I know that Cho is furious with me right now. A visit to your home will give her a chance to settle again. I know she has missed you.”

 

“I will do what I can for your daughter.”

 

They stopped before the entrance. Hideaki relaxed again, now that the unpleasant topic had been dealt with. “We both have the same goal in this matter.”

 

“Hai, my lord.” Mizuki bowed again. “I must return to Cho-san now.”

 

Hideaki stayed outside while Mizuki tracked Cho down. She found her friend in her room, pulling out kimonos. “Do not tell me that you intend to pack all of those.”

 

“What are you talking about, Mizuki? This is only three outfits.” Cho carefully spread out the colorful silk. “It is now getting warm enough to enjoy my spring colors.”

 

“We leave the day after tomorrow, with only what Shou can carry. The rest can be sent after us.”

 

“Nani? Do not be silly. I will not show up at your home with one rumpled kimono shoved into a bag and a second that reeks of dragon.”

 

“You can borrow some of mine.”

 

“Do you have anything with some color to it?” Cho looked Mizuki up and down. “Honestly, it does nothing for you.”

 

“Would you like to be pushed off of Shou?”

 

“Not really.”

 

“Then stop. My clothing is practical.”

 

“Practical. Boring, I say. Be practical in a color that is at least more flattering! Besides, we are only arguing over three outfits. It's not that much.”

 

Mizuki rolled her eyes. “Fine, since that is the only way I will be able to get you out of here without a major battle.”

 

“Why Mizuki, I think you're getting soft!”

 

----

 

`It is always so quiet here.' Mizuki listened to the wind in the leaves above her. `How dull.'

 

She could see Cho walking across the grounds. `Probably coming to bring me to dinner. She must be done packing. You would think she is going away and will never return with the way she packs. Mama never holds parties if she can avoid it, so I do not know why she insists on packing such nonsense.'

 

The leaves rustled again, but Mizuki's ears swiveled. That did not sound like the wind. Her hand slid to the throwing dagger that was always hidden at her waist. Someone was watching her. Cho was only one hundred yards away, and walking rapidly.

 

The source of sound was moving, coming lower in the tree. The dagger was out of its sheath, ready to attack. When Cho screamed Mizuki was ready.

 

“Look out!”

 

A figure dropped out of the tree, aiming to land on the inu-hanyou. Mizuki slammed her fist into his side, knocking him away. Before he could recover she had him off of the ground by his throat, her dagger in her other hand.

 

“Goro! Baka! What do you think you're doing?” Cho marched over to glare at her now grown cousin.

 

“Put me down, half-breed,” Goro gurgled as he struggled.

 

“Well, Cho?” Mizuki tightened her grip, letting blood run down her arm.

 

“Actually, you better put him down.” Cho sighed even as she said this.

 

“And why would I do that?”

 

“My father is the next Lord of the North, wench.” Goro continued to pull at the hand holding him.

 

“Cho, explain.”

 

“When Isamu-kun left, father named my oldest sister's mate as the next heir. That's Goro's father.”

 

Mizuki looked less then impressed. “I am certain that he has siblings that could replace him.”

 

“Bitch. You wouldn't dare. My father. . . “

 

“I do not care who your father is.” Dark blue eyes seemed to fill Goro's vision as he was pulled in close. “Unlike you, I do not hide behind my father. I am not the half grown female you attempted to bully all those years ago. I am your superior, you worthless bastard.”

 

“Mizuki, we are going to get in trouble if you kill him.” Tapping her toe, Cho gave her friend a reproving look.

 

“I do not care.”

 

Goro's protests had been crushed down to whistling sounds.

 

“We are already late for dinner. Just drop him.”

 

“No.”

 

“Drop him or I'm going to tell Katsuro about that emissary that you met here the last time you were out.”

 

There was a loud thud as Goro hit the ground. He lay in a heap, gasping for air and holding his throat as blood ran over his hand.

 

“That is dirty, Cho.” Mizuki calmly examined her claws and clothing.

 

“And it is usually considered rude to show up for a meal with a family member's blood all over your clothes.” Cho gave Goro a last glare. “I don't think I even need to tell you to stay away from Mizuki.”

 

“My father will kill her for this.” The threat was little more then a rattling whisper.

 

Mizuki gazed down at him with a look that had been chipped from ice. “He can try.”

 

“Dinner, Mizuki.” Cho marched off, leaving her friend to follow. “I'm sure you do not like smelling of his blood.”

 

“True.” Mizuki followed after her friend. “I do not think he learned anything from this.”

 

“Probably not. Were you really going to kill him?”

 

“He attacked me.”

 

“A prank. He was not going to hurt you for real, probably just a fright.”

 

“It was still an attack. He is lucky I recognized his scent, or he would have been dead before you could have protested. Only a fool attacks a soldier like that.”

 

“Messing with you is like playing with a powder keg.”

 

“Hai.”

 

“Still, it's a good thing you did not kill him over a silly prank. Is it possible you overreacted?”

 

“If a fool picks up a weapon they cannot handle, it is not the fault of the weapon when they are injured.”

 

Silently counting to ten, Cho tried again. “I am just suggesting that you might want to consider other responses. Not every creature that bothers or displeases you deserves to die. For example, should I accidentally break something of yours . . . “

 

“I would only maim you for such an act, not kill.”

 

“Oh, so you don't overreact. What a relief.” Mumbling to herself, Cho slid open the door to her room. “Get in here and change before someone sees you. I do not want any of the family changing their mind on my trip because my dear friend is trying to kill family members again.”

 

“They would not be able to stop us.”

 

“It may be perfectly normal for your family to decide things by who can swing the heaviest object, but I prefer to just come to an agreement. You should try it sometime, it's rather relaxing.”

 

“Hn.”

 

“You know, your reputation is set. You do not have to go around destroying and killing just to make sure.”

 

The hanyou froze, facing away from Cho. “What are you saying, Cho?”

 

“I'm saying that you do not have to make a point of killing everyone that crosses you now. Everyone gets it.”

 

Mizuki swallowed hard and relaxed before she put her claws through the silk in her hands. “And you believe that my behavior this afternoon was an act.”

 

“I know it was. I have known you longer then just about anyone, except your family. I know you're pretty ruthless, but I also know that you're going right over the top. Killing Goro? Come on. Its gotten worse while I've been away and you really do not need it. Everyone believes you, except for me of course, so just tone it down a bit.”

 

“I will consider this.”

 

“That's all I wanted. And put this on, I would love to see you in some color.”

 

The kimono might as well have been a huge, venomous spider for the way Mizuki recoiled. “It is pink.”

 

“You could use some color.”

 

“If this is some sort of a test to see if I will not kill you, it is not going well.”

 

----

 

“You pack of worthless idiots! What part of left was too much for your tiny minds to comprehend? Do I need to chop off your left arms so you can tell the difference?” Trying to keep up his glare through his amusement, Katsuro waited as the new recruits lined up again, this time all facing the correct way. `I'm going to get you for this, Ki-chan.'

 

One of the future soldiers whispered to the youkai next to him. Throwing up his hands in frustration, Katsuro marched over. “Well? Do you have something to say?”

 

“No, Katsuro-sama.”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“Hai, Katsuro-sama.”

 

Grabbing the youkai by a pointed ear, the inu-hanyou marched him out of line. “Come right out here. You may think that you are safe because I'm a hanyou, but even a ningen could hear that racket.” Katsuro twisted his wrist, sending the unfortunate example to his knees. “Now say you're sorry for insulting my mother.”

 

“Ow ow ow ow.”

 

“Not quite what I'm looking for. Try again.” The ear was given another twist.

 

“Gomen nasai, Katsuro-sama.”

 

“And promise you'll never do it again.”

 

Quiet snickers escaped through the recruits as their comrade knelt in the dirt while being held in a grip that any mother would have envied.

 

“I promise, my lord.”

 

“Good boy.” Katsuro released, letting the youkai stumble away. “Oh, before I forget . . . “

 

The recruit yelped as a dagger buried itself in his shoulder.

 

The low growl and heat in Katsuro's eyes made all of the recruits draw back. “Do not ever talk about my mother.”

 

A familiar shape was soaring across the sky, making Katsuro sigh with relief and release his victim. “Well, your Commander is back, so you can deal with her.”

 

The recruits stiffened as the blue dragon dropped lower. Shippou strolled over from his hiding place in the shade, his eyes on the three figures in the sky. Before the dragon had even touched the ground Mizuki was off, walking to her brother with a sharp nod to the kitsune. “Well?”

 

“Not bad, actually. Except for the one that's bleeding. He needs lots of close, personal attention.”

 

Mizuki gave a sharp nod. “Captain, take over. I want them back here and in a proper formation before the sun touches those trees.”

 

“Hai, Commander.”

 

“How was your trip, Ki-chan?” There was a bright smile for the newly returned sister. “You probably had more fun then me. You owe me big for sticking me with that lot.”

 

“I will make it up to you. Come and greet Cho.”

 

“Do I have to?” Katsuro grabbed Shippou's arm and hissed at him. “You're coming with me.”

 

“How come?” Shippou wiggled a bit before giving in to the larger male.

 

“If I have to deal with her, so do you.”

 

By the time Katsuro and Shippou sulked over Mizuki was back by Shou. Cho was sitting sideways on the dragon, dressed as elegantly as any courtier. She looked over to the two males with eyes that were darker then either of her parents, more topaz blue then ice.

 

Katsuro and Shippou stopped dead.

 

“That's Cho?” Shippou hissed.

 

“I think so. She sure didn't look like that the last time I saw her.” Katsuro was having a hard time putting the name of his childhood nemesis on the vision in front of him.

 

“Holy Kami.”

“Katsuro. Shippou. Do not be rude.” Mizuki glared at the two thunderstruck males. They were showing no signs of reanimating. “Move it.”

 

The barked order reengaged their brains, sending them both forward again.

 

Sigh. “Cho-san, you remember Katsuro-san. And this is his companion, Shippou-san.”

 

Both of the males had the sense to bow as Cho slid off of Shou and bowed. “A pleasure to meet you, Shippou-san. And Katsuro-san, I hardly recognized you.”

 

`Say something clever, say something clever.' “Yeah.” Katsuro blinked twice. `Baka!'

 

“Cho, I will show you to your room. I am certain you would like to rest.” Mizuki shouldered Cho's pack while letting Shou wrap around her other arm.

 

“Arigato, Mizuki. I look forward to seeing you again, my lords.” Her long hair floating well past her hips, Cho followed her friend up to the palace.

 

“You never told me that the most annoying hime in Japan looked like that!” The kitsune stared after the elegant female, his mouth hanging slightly open.

 

“She didn't! I mean, she doesn't! That's just Cho, Mizuki's really annoying friend.” Katsuro crossed his arms. “And close your mouth before something decides to build a nest in there.”

 

“Like you're one to say anything, you could barely talk when you saw her.”

 

“No! I just didn't want to talk to her. What about you? You didn't say anything.”

 

“You said she was annoying. I didn't want to start a fight.”

 

“Sure, Shippou.”

 

“What do you care, if she's just Mizuki's annoying friend? You sound jealous that I might have been looking at her.”

 

“Don't be stupid. I don't care if you look at her. I think you care that I might care. I think you're the jealous one.”

 

“No way! She's got that weird spotted hair, and those light eyes, and the way she moves . . .”

 

Katsuro looked his friend up and down. “Wow, she just got here and you're already a babbling idiot. Usually you're just an idiot, but this is special.”

 

“And you keep looking back to watch her walk up to the palace. I don't want her, you do!”

 

“I do not!”

 

“Fine, then. It's settled. Neither of us wants Mizuki's annoying friend Cho.” Shippou gave a sharp nod. “As long as everyone knows that nothing is going on.”

 

“Of course. Who would want someone like her, anyways?”

 

----

A/N: Ages

 

Mizuki: 207 Katsuro: 199 Cho: 247 Shippou: 216 Hideaki: approx 900 Akira: approx 500 Kagome: 227 Sesshy: approx 500 Merkamou: approx 550 Isamu: 299 Mayu: approx 800 Yuriko: 194