InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ That Dragon ( Chapter 7 )

A/N: Another big thank you to my well wishers. Alas, my little knock to the head does not seem to have had any affect on my personality, so I shall remain wench-like. Geus, how do we know it was really ningens that wrote that? What if they were youkai and the ningens rewrote history? History is written by the victors and all that. Oh, you want the truth? Well then, I can't write poetry, and as long as I'm using it I better cite it. And Katsuro wouldn't have an issue with ningen poetry, he's a hanyou. Roll with me on the ningen threat. Nothing is ever as it seems. Whispering Angel, Akane is Merkamou's oldest sister, she is mentioned a couple of times at the end of MM.

 

And now we shall throw Seiji into a pit of ferocious, angry dogs for everyone's amusement. Yea!

 

----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------

 

Seiji looked over the home of the Lord of the West. `Not bad. I had expected a fortress like Hideaki's, but this is considerably more luxurious. Not what I would have expected from the cold bastard that rules here.'

 

The guards were alert and challenged him as he approached, but they had also been waiting for him. He was allowed in with little fuss, and given an escort to the front hall. His eyes roamed everywhere as he walked through the courtyard, taking in the complex.

 

“Get off of me, you big fat liar!”

 

“Give me back my poetry!”

 

`Nani?' Ignoring the guards' protests, Seiji veered off to follow the sounds of fighting. He found two young males wrestling on the ground. One was obviously a kitsune, while the other had long black hair and pointed ears on top of his head.

 

`That must be the hanyou son, and the future Lord of the West. I think I will need to annex the West as soon as this one takes power. It would be such a waste of an opportunity to let any of the other lords defeat him first.' The hanyou now had the kitsune down and it looked like he was strangling the smaller male.

 

“Today, Mizuki!”

 

“Hai, Mama.”

 

There was a blur of white, and the hanyou son was sent flying.

 

`Well, hello there. Nice form, and excellent distance.' Chuckling, Seiji moved in closer. He could hear the female interrogating the two males in a cold voice, holding her brother off with the staff. “Interesting.”

 

The reaction was everything he could have hoped for. The female dropped the kitsune and shoved her brother behind her. Most interesting of all, there was a heat in her eyes that caught him off guard. Slightly crouched, with her staff ready to defend herself and the males behind her, she looked fierce. `This cannot possibly be the icicle that my father was describing. There is quite a bit of fire in this female.'

 

Dangerous.

 

In an instant the look had passed, and the eyes had cooled back to an icy stare. “Seiji-san.”

 

“And you must be Mizuki-san. How fascinating.”

 

The cold eyes narrowed, and instead of relaxing her guard her hands tightened on her weapon. Her brother had moved up beside her, and she did not push him back. Now both pairs of eyes were watching him closely, looking for him to make a threatening move.

 

----

 

`What is Mizuki doing?' Kagome watched as Katsuro was shoved behind his sister.

 

“Seiji-san.”

 

`Uh oh!' Leaping out the window, the miko darted across the grass. `This isn't good.'

 

The strange male looked over to her as she came running up. “And you must be Kagome-sama. You are just as my mother described you.”

 

“And why doesn't that sound like a compliment coming from you?” Realizing what she had said, Kagome clapped a hand over her mouth.

 

“No insult was intended, Kagome-sama.” Seiji bowed to the little miko. “I was on my way to greet you and Sesshomaru-sama when I was distracted.”

 

“And I'll be talking to you two about that later.” Kagome gave her son and his friend a quick glare before turning her eyes back to Seiji. “I better get you inside to meet Sesshomaru-sama before he comes out here to find us. It's fine, Mizuki. He's supposed to be here, and he's not a threat to me.”

 

The Commander of Kagome's guard did not seem to agree with her. “He is not acting in a non-threatening manner.”

 

“Just leave it, Mizuki.” Crossing her arms, the Lady stared at her overly protective daughter. “Stand down, Commander!”

 

Slamming the end of the staff into the ground with a little more force then necessary, Mizuki finally looked away from Seiji. “Hai, my lady.”

 

“Come with me, Seiji-san.”

 

The guards cowered under Mizuki's glare. “Follow him, and if he deviates at all from the Lady's orders, take him down.”

 

“Hai, Commander.” The guards ran to catch up, sticking to Seiji like glue.

 

“That went well.” Katsuro stood at his sister's side and watched the dragon until he disappeared inside.

 

“That was not the initial impression I had desired to make.”

 

“Me neither.”

 

“Stop, Shippou.”

 

The kitsune froze, his escape thwarted.

 

“Whatever you have, drop it.”

 

“It's Cho's.” Shippou held the book out to Mizuki.

 

“Cho's?” The pale hands turned the book over, recognizing the cover. “This is one of Cho's favorites. Did you steal this from her, shetai?”

 

“Nani? No, I didn't steal it! She lent it to me!”

 

Mizuki opened the cover and scanned a page. “Ah, now I see.” She handed the book over to her brother.

 

“What? That's it?” Shippou looked back and forth between the two hanyou.

 

“What else would there be? Cho lent a book to Katsuro, and I do not see what business it is of yours.”

 

“So you're in on this too, huh? Fine, then.” Stomping his little paws every step of the way, Shippou stormed off.

 

“He doesn't believe that I read poetry.” Katsuro checked the book over. “At least it's not damaged. Cho would have my hide for a new rug.”

 

“That she would.”

 

----

 

`This is fun. What is it with this family and guests?' Kagome watched as Mizuki and Katsuro took turns glaring at Seiji, who was watching Mizuki with great amusement. Shippou was ignoring everyone except Cho, and putting on a great martyr act. Even Sesshomaru had caught on to the odd behavior and was watching more then ignoring.

 

The siblings had rearranged their usual seating, moving Cho next to Shippou so that they could sit together and face Seiji. Katsuro was far more concerned about the male across from him then he was about Shippou sitting next to Cho. The dragon was highly amused at the unified front they presented.

 

“So, Seiji-san, tell us something about yourself.” The awkward silence was more then Kagome could handle, and she fully intended to bring it to an end.

 

“There is not much to tell, Kagome-sama. You have already met my family. I spend my time training and learning of my future role as Lord of the East.” Seiji looked over to Kagome. “What else would an heir do?”

 

`Hey!' Katsuro bristled at the implied comment.

 

“You have to have some free time. What do you do when you have a few moments to yourself?” Kagome felt like she was hitting her head against a brick wall that just kept smiling at her attempts.

 

“I do go hunting on occasion, but I have little time for myself.”

 

“That sounds like Mizuki. I'm always trying to convince her to take some time for herself.”

 

Now it was Mizuki's turn. `Hey! He does not need to know anything of me until I tell him.'

 

“And Katsuro-san, what do you do with your copious free time?” Seiji kept the same condescending smile as he looked towards the hanyou.

 

`Gonna kill this one.' There was a tap on the back of Katsuro's hand under the table, and he took a deep breath. Mizuki had been using that signal for years to help him remember control. “I do whatever my father asks of me. What else would an heir do?”

 

Sesshomaru looked over to his son with eyes that were just a bit incredulous. Katsuro gave a little shrug, hoping his father would not start that particular argument.

 

“And I assume you find some time to learn something of combat.”

 

“Some time.” Katsuro borrowed his sister's icy demeanor. “Perhaps you would like to compare techniques tomorrow?”

 

“I should have some time to tutor you.”

 

`Bastard.' Mizuki grabbed on tightly to her control, revealing nothing of her rage.

“And perhaps Mizuki-san will also have some time to join us?” Seiji let his eyes trail back to the icy sapphire ones.

 

“Unlikely.”

 

Katsuro looked over to her, locking gazes with her.

 

`If he wishes for my support, he will have it.' Mizuki looked back over to the dragon. “Perhaps I will find some time.”

 

“I look forward to it.”

 

----

 

“I truly do not have much time, shetai.” Mizuki walked at her brother's side with some of her work still in hand, crossing over to the field where they would usually train. “Mama has some new scheme that I must assist with.”

 

“I just want you there in case he pulls something dirty. You don't even have to get involved.”

 

“I will watch him. And shetai?”

 

“Hai?”

 

“Please hurt him.”

 

Katsuro grinned. “I'll see what I can do.”

 

Seiji was waiting for them, warming up in the middle of the field. The siblings stopped to watch, and Mizuki could not help but admire the controlled movements. And it did not hurt that he had removed his outer kimono and there was only a thin layer of silk blocking her view. `He may be a bastard, but he is certainly put together well.'

 

“Ki-chan, quit staring.”

 

“I am not staring.”

 

“Sure, Ki-chan. How about you just go sit over there and I'll deal with him. And remember to blink.” Seeing the look on his sister's face, Katsuro took a step back. “Mama said no poisoning.”

 

Mizuki moved to the edge of the field and returned to her work, not even glancing up as Katsuro moved out to meet Seiji. Shou flopped out in the grass next to her and stretched out in the sun.

 

“Hey, Seiji-san! Are you here to work or just look pretty?”

 

Seiji stared at the hanyou. `He did not just say that to me.' “Excuse me?”

 

“Just wondering if you still wanted to compare techniques today.” Katsuro stretched his arms out, grinning like a story book cat from Kagome's time.

 

“If you are still willing, Katsuro-san.”

 

“I guess I've got some time to tutor you.”

 

`I am going to kill him.' Seiji gaze darkened as he watched the cocky hanyou shake out his arms.

 

Drawing his sword, Katsuro rocked on the balls of his feet. “Come along then, youngster. I don't have all day.”

 

There was a hiss and a blur of movement as Seiji attacked, looking to knock the annoying male off of his feet and preferably into a tree. But he was not under his blade any longer.

 

“Oh, come on. You've got to try harder then that!”

 

Seiji spun, this time connecting with his opponent's blade. The impact rattled the smaller male's grip, but not his smile. Sparks flew as the blades hit again, pushing Katsuro back.

 

Spinning around, Katsuro threw Seiji off balance in his attempts to hit him. `The damn hanyou will not hold still!' His blade slid towards Katsuro, close enough to let the hanyou see his own reflection.

 

“Better . . . ” Releasing his sword with one hand, Katsuro punched Seiji in the nose. `Just for you, Ki-chan.' “But you need to think outside of the rules.”

 

Startled, the dragon fell back a step. `What the hell?'

 

“Try it again, but this time, be creative!”

 

Drawing on his considerable power, Seiji produced a burst of speed that brought him slamming into the hanyou, dropping him to the ground. The killing blow was blocked, but at least the grin was reduced to a smile. Katsuro's attempts to trip him and bring him down did not work, but it did buy some time for the hanyou to find his feet.

 

The blades locked again, letting Seiji glare into the emerald eyes. Katsuro's response to the snarl was to arch an eyebrow. “Temper, Seiji-san.”

 

“You should respect your betters, hanyou.”

 

“And I will, if you'd be kind enough to introduce me to one.” An elbow to Katsuro's throat dropped him again. “Ow, but better!”

 

There was a flash as Seiji brought up his sword, aiming for his opponent's gut. When pain laced through his shoulder it took a second for him to realize what had happened. In that instant Katsuro sprung to his feet and tackled him, abandoning his own sword and knocking away Seiji's.

 

Rolling on the ground, the two males struggled for dominance. Claws were dragged down Katsuro's side as Seiji struggled to get a grip on him, but that only made the emerald eyes flash with anger. “Watch it!” The words were joined by a toss that sent the dragon to the ground. `Oh, so that's what Shippou was looking for. Now I have to go find him and thank him.'

 

A sharp kick sent Katsuro's feet shooting out from underneath him and let Seiji pin him down. The emerald eyes darkened more as their owner considered whether or not it would be overkill to transform. Instead he brought up a knee sharply, thoroughly distracting the younger male. He took advantage to throw the dragon off of him and make a grab for his throat.

 

Yanking the dagger from his own shoulder, Seiji brought it to bear on Katsuro. Even as Katsuro was setting his claws alongside the dragon's throat, the dagger was pressed against his.

 

Panting, they stared at each other.

 

“Well?”

 

“Nice! I totally forgot about the dagger in your shoulder. I should've grabbed it myself, but you thought of it first.”

 

Seiji just stared. “And how did it get in the back of my shoulder?”

 

“Secret weapon.”

 

Seiji and Katsuro eased away from each other, watching for any last minute attempts. “A secret weapon, you say.” The ice blue eyes looked over to Mizuki, who was scribbling away at some parchment. She did not look like she had even noticed the fight, but the dragon that seemed to be permanently attached to her was watching with wide eyes.

 

“You're good, I'll give you that much.” There was a loud pop as Katsuro stretched. “I don't usually have that much trouble unless I'm facing father.”

 

“And I will admit to being surprised.” Retrieving his sword, Seiji's thoughts ran off with him. `Surprised? That does not begin to cover it. He was more of a challenge then my own father. To think, I finally find someone that is a challenge, and it is a hanyou. What would that female be like?'

 

“Should we do it again?”

 

“Can you convince your `secret weapon' to stay out of it?”

 

“Sure. Oi, Ki-chan! Come and get your dagger back.”

 

Mizuki set her work aside so that she could join the males.

 

Katsuro had the sense to wipe off her dagger before handing it to her. “You can wander back up to the palace, if you want. I don't think we're going to need supervision anymore.”

 

“If you are certain, shetai.” Slipping the dagger back into its place, Mizuki turned to leave.

 

“Are you not training today, Mizuki-san?”

 

“No.” There was no backward glance as she gathered her work and left.

 

“That's just Ki-chan, Seiji-san. It's all I can do to get her outside sometimes. She seems to think the Western Lands will fall apart if she isn't there to take care of them.”

 

“She takes her duties seriously.”

 

“Too seriously, but don't tell her I said that. She'll just knock me around. Speaking of which, weren't we here to fight?”

 

“If that is your wish, Katsuro-san.”

 

“Absolutely. This is fun.”

 

`Fun?' Seiji faced off with the hanyou again. `I believe he is very entertaining, but not sane.'

 

----

 

The sun was half hidden by the horizon, and the first fire flies of the season were putting in an appearance. The garden was still waking up from winter, but the flowers were coming back with a vengeance. Kagome reached up on her tip toes, stretching for a honeysuckle blossom that was just out of reach. `If I was just two inches taller. That's not much to ask for, is it?'

 

A pale hand reached over her and plucked the flower, handing it to her.

 

“Arigato, jo-chan.” Adding the flower to the others she had chosen, Kagome turned around to face her mate. “What are you doing out here?”

 

“Looking for you.” Sesshomaru slid his eyes over the collection of flowers in Kagome's basket.

 

“It's been a long winter without fresh flowers, and I'm going to fill my study and our room with them.”

 

“It will make for a pleasant change after a long winter.”

 

“I can only imagine what it's like at the end of winter with a nose like yours. How can you stand it?”

 

“Distraction.”

 

“I'll say one thing, it's a definite perk to being mated to an inu-youkai. With your sense of smell everything is kept spotless. But Koga stayed in a dirty cave. Maybe his nose didn't work quite right.”

 

Sesshomaru glanced down at her. “The wolf prince? A wolf would not have the sense to move away from such a stench.”

 

“Wow, and you haven't even met him. Must be a dog thing.” Kagome strolled through the garden, looking for other blossoms to bring inside. “So?”

 

“So what?” `I hate this game.'

 

“So, what do you think of Seiji?”

 

“He is a strong taiyoukai, and heir to the East.”

 

“You are so dense. You know that, right?”

 

The taiyoukai bent down and lifted the flowers that had fallen out of Kagome's basket from her wild gestures.

 

“Arigato, Sesshomaru. Okay, I'll be specific. Do you think he's a good match for Mizuki?”

 

“Mizuki does not like him.”

 

“All ready? She's hardly seen him! How can you be so sure?”

 

“She is ignoring him as much as possible. Also, she and Katsuro have been even more inseparable then usual.”

 

“Well, that might make this whole thing really easy. If she hates him, it just won't happen.” Another flower was added to the basket. “But I don't know how serious I would take that. I hated you at first, and most of my friends tried to kill me at first sight. Who knows what could happen.”

 

“Katsuro seems to like him.”

 

“Katsuro likes everybody. Well, yeah, it surprised me, too. And did you know Katsuro has a crush on Cho?”

 

“I was not aware. It would be acceptable.”

 

“The way you talk, it's a wonder I'm not beating off females with a stick.”

 

Sesshomaru caught Kagome around the waist and pulled her back so that she was resting against him. “Do you wish to have other females pursuing me?”

 

“No, because then I'd have to deal with their families when I purify them out of existence. They have to find their own arrogant bastards. This one is taken.”

 

“And you complain about the way that I speak about relationships.”

 

“But I mean it in the sweetest, most loving way possible. You damn arrogant bastard.”

 

There was a low growl, and Kagome squirmed away with a squeak to take off across the gardens. “You be nice to me!”

 

“This Sesshomaru is not nice.”

 

“Eep!” Kagome slammed right into the youkai that had materialized in front of her. Strong arms caught her just before she hit the ground and saved her basket. “You cheated!”

 

“How?”

 

“You're faster then me!”

 

“Hai.” Using his speed to his advantage, Sesshomaru stole a kiss from the little miko. “We have company.”

 

“Can't you tell them to go away?”

 

“I can hear you, Mama.” Mizuki continued to stroll down the path.

 

“Mizuki-chan!” Kagome turned in Sesshomaru's arms, resting against his chest when he did not release her. “What are you doing out here?”

 

“Shou is not acting as his usual self, so I am going to go for a ride before full dark sets in.”

 

“Good job, Shou. You make sure she gets out of that office sometimes.”

 

Shou stretched out across Mizuki's shoulders, yawning broadly.

 

The taiyoukai crossed his arms. “Tomorrow I expect you to not enter your office at all.”

 

“Father? What do you mean?” Mizuki stopped in the middle of petting Shou to stare at Sesshomaru.

 

“You will find something to do away from that desk. Understood?”

 

“Hai, father. I am certain I can rearrange my appointments and avoid Seiji-san.”

 

“Mizuki! He's here just to get to know you. How's he going to do that with you hiding by the barracks?” Kagome set her hands on her hips, basket swinging from her wrist.

 

“After you have completed your inspection I will arrange for a meeting between us to see if we are compatible.”

 

“You really don't like him, do you?”

 

“He is arrogant, condescending, and has a problem with hanyou. No, I do not like him.”

 

“Your brother may soften him up.”

 

“You cannot soften a chunk of granite.” Mizuki gave Shou a final prod and convinced the dragon to get up. “We must go before the sun has fully set.”

 

“Fine, fine, we'll talk about this later.” Kagome waved her daughter and the dragon off, watching them as they disappeared over the trees. “Yeah, this is going really well.”

 

“Now you know her feelings on the matter.”

 

“Yeah. I can't send him back after only two days, even Akira would be upset. If we can keep them from killing each other for a couple of weeks, everything will be fine.”

 

“Wishful thinking, miko.”

 

“You could be a bit more supportive, you know.”

 

“This Sesshomaru is not supportive.”