InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ Defeat ( Chapter 8 )

A/N: Well, I'm tired, so no energy to be clever. Snuggles to all of my reviewers, and I'll be more chatty on my next post. Enjoy, and I don't own nothin'. Wait, that means I do own somethin'. Damn double negatives. I don't own somethin'. I think. Damn knocks to the head.

 

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“Shippou-san?”

 

The kitsune looked up at the soft, topaz colored eyes and felt his pulse jump. “Hai, Cho-san?”

 

“Are you well?”

 

`I suppose I do look a little weird.' Shippou sat up. He had been laying the middle of the field, mumbling at the passing clouds. Cursing, mostly. “I'm okay, Cho-san.”

 

“If you insist. Where is Katsuro-san? It is unusual to see one and not the other.”

 

“If you're looking for him, you're going to have to try somewhere else. He's not anywhere near me.” There was some mumbling that sounded suspiciously like `big fat liar'.

 

“So it is true. You two did have a fight.”

 

To Shippou's shock, Cho knelt down beside him.

 

“Yeah, we did. And right in front of Mizuki and Seiji, too.”

 

“Will you two make up? You are so very close, it seems odd for you to be fighting with him.” Cho smoothed the silk of her kimono, biting off the last of her comments. `It is almost as though they share one brain between the two of them.'

 

“I don't know. Why do you care, anyways?”

 

“I do not like to see anyone look as down as you do, Shippou-san. Even when they have been driving me to distraction for weeks.”

 

Shippou blushed. “If you want me to leave you alone . . .”

 

“Sometimes, Shippou-san.”

 

“But other times?”

 

“I do not hate you, if that is what you are asking. But please let me have some peace and quiet. My home is not like this, and I am not used to it.” Cho softened her already gentle rebuke with a smile. “Is that fair?”

 

“Of course, Cho-san. It is pretty crazy here, isn't it?”

 

“Absolute pandemonium. I believe that most of it is from Sesshomaru-sama's Lady. Where did he ever find a female like her?”

 

Shippou sat up straighter, smiling. “Have you ever heard of the miko that defended the Shikon no Tama and helped to defeat Naraku?”

“Do not tell me that she is the same miko.”

 

“You've never heard Kagome-chan's story? I know it. I was there for most of it.”

 

“Really?” Cho leaned in a bit, delighted. “Please tell me, Shippou-san. I have been so very curious about her.”

 

And the kitsune wove a tale that was too unbelievable to be false. He did make a minor edit, placing Kagome from a distant land instead of the future, but other then that he regaled the young lady for most of the morning with their adventures.

 

----

 

“Okay, we've written Yuriko and told her to bring Merkamou, so the South is set. I didn't have to call in any favors to have Seiji come out, so I can trade on that for the East. What are we going to do with the North?” Kagome tapped the pen against her lips, gazing at Kumo and Mizuki. “Sesshomaru isn't going to help with this part, so I have to figure out how to get them out here.”

 

“I used my assistance with that rebellion to bring Cho here.” Mizuki doodled on the edge of a page, staring at the wall. “There are no official ties with the north.”

 

“If we can convince Mayu, then she can handle Hideaki. The trick is convincing Mayu.”

 

“Competition may be enough.” Kumo tapped the end of her own pen on her desk. “If the others are showing up, especially Isamu-sama, then they will wish to be there.”

 

“You think so?” Kagome looked hopeful.

 

“Of course. Do you think Hideaki-sama would like everyone to get together to discuss the future without him?”

 

“Good point. Okay, then we can send out the invitations. For when?”

 

Mizuki stopped doodling and looked over her page. “I am more concerned with where.”

 

“They could come here.”

 

“Absolutely not. I am not having all of the taiyoukai lords here. It is too much of a security risk.” Mizuki's ears twitched. “We need a neutral location.”

 

“Neutral? Okay, we can do that. I think. Somewhere in the middle, to make it fair for everyone. Somewhere that isn't really a stronghold for any of the taiyoukai. I've got it!”

 

`I will regret this.' Mizuki braced herself. “And where is that, Mama?”

 

“The youkai exterminator village!”

 

Mizuki's jaw actually dropped and hung for a few seconds before she recovered. “Mama, do I need to get the healer?”

 

“No, no, listen. It's completely neutral . . . “

 

“Because they will want to kill everyone equally.”

 

“Stop that! We're talking about your Aunt Sango's descendants, and I've kept in contact with them. They are not after the taiyoukai. Especially if the taiyoukai are getting together to plan out disappearing. They may even want to help. They're pretty close to the center, and a bit closer to us. Added bonus.”

 

“You are serious.”

 

“You are insane.” Kumo stared at her lady. “The actual villagers aside, what sensible taiyoukai would willingly walk into a village of exterminators?”

 

“Sesshomaru would. And Merkamou is going to be fine, since he did take one as a mate.”

 

“Does this strike anyone else as an odd situation?” Kumo looked over to Mizuki, who nodded in reply.

 

“I'm going to ask Nami if the village will let us meet there. She's Sango's great-great-great . . . how many greats are we on now, Kumo?”

 

“I have no idea, Kagome-sama.”

 

“Doesn't matter. She's a direct descendant of Sango's, and married to the headsman. We write a lot, and she even took on Yuriko for a year of training.”

 

“So we shall convince the Lords of Japan to all come together in one location, and that location will be a youkai exterminator village.” Still trying to assemble this bizarre situation, Mizuki blinked at her mother. “And here I thought it would be a challenge.”

 

“And I know where you got that sense of sarcasm. It will work, I'm sure of it. So, how shall we split this up? I'll get everyone there and deal with the meetings.”

 

Kumo pulled over a fresh piece of paper. “I will deal with arrangements once the location is selected.”

 

“That leaves me with security and assuring that the guests do not kill each other.” Mizuki scratched some notes. “I will recruit shetai. And the timing, Mama?”

 

“Do you think we could get this together in a month?”

 

“Absolutely not.” Mizuki's ears twitched again. “Communication alone would take one month.”

 

“Two months then.”

 

Several pens tapped as the three ladies looked at each other. Kumo closed her eyes, her incredible memory running through the next two months. “It will be tight, but doable.”

 

“All right then. Two months, youkai exterminators' village, one big taiyoukai party!”

 

----

 

“Hey there, Shippou.”

 

The kitsune's back went rigid. “Hello, liar.”

 

“You really aren't going to let this go, are you?” Katsuro dropped next to Shippou.

 

“Why should I?”

 

“Because I came here to thank you.”

 

“Huh?” Tail twitching with confusion, Shippou finally looked at his friend. “For what?”

 

“I was working with Seiji, and I was able to toss him right over my shoulder with a move you taught me. So, arigato.”

 

“You got it?”

“Just in the nick of time.”

 

“I bet you shocked the hell out of that jerk of a dragon.”

 

“You should have seen the look on his face when he went flying.” Katsuro twisted his face into a look of shock. “Boom! Right into the ground.”

 

“Yes! Did Mizuki see it?”

 

“She was right there, and she had already hit him in the shoulder with her dagger.”

 

“Now I really wish I had been there.” Realizing what he was saying, Shippou snapped his gaze away. “If you weren't a liar, I mean.”

 

“For the love of . . . “ Katsuro shook his friend. “I'm not a liar! I read poetry! Do you get it yet, or do I need to shake harder?”

 

“Stop . . . shaking. . . me!” Eyes spinning, Shippou broke away. “Okay, okay, I get it. You read poetry.”

 

“This isn't about poetry, is it?”

 

“What are you talking about?”

 

“If this was about poetry you'd be teasing the daylights out of me. You would have just loved to find out something like that about me. Instead you tried to bite my ear off. This is about Cho, isn't it?”

 

“Cho who?”

 

“Very funny. You have a huge crush on Cho, and you were jealous that she was talking to me and not you.”

 

“And so what if I do like her? Who's going to look at me when Sesshomaru's heir with his perfect hair is around?”

 

“Perfect hair? Where the hell did that come from?”

 

“Kagome-chan, actually.”

 

“I don't even want to know what you were talking to Mama about.”

 

Shippou finally met his friend's eyes again. “So, do you like Cho?”

 

“She's good looking, sure, but we've been fighting since I was tiny. And I hit myself in the head twice while she was watching. I don't think the very manly skill of being able to quote poetry is going to block that out of her memory.”

 

“That's true. Does that mean I have an advantage?”

 

“Looks like it to me.”

 

“Yes!”

 

“Are we done fighting, then?”

 

“Sure. You have to tell me all about your fight with Seiji.”

 

“It was great. He's not half bad, as long as he's not off on some `pathetic hanyou' bit.”

 

“No, no. Focus on the parts where he's hitting the ground.”

 

----

 

`There is only so much I can get done when banned from my own office.' Mizuki paced restlessly. `What was father thinking?'

 

The naginata in her hands spun as she thought. The latest group of recruits was now coming along nicely, and everything seemed to be under control. There was nothing she could do about her mother's latest scheme until the location had been finalized. Without access to her pile of paperwork that always seemed to be waiting for her, Mizuki found herself in the unusual position of having time on her hands.

 

“So you do find time to train.”

 

`Not him. Not now.' Mizuki's eyes easily found the male that was watching her. “Seiji-san.”

 

“I was impressed with your brother. His training almost makes up for his hanyou blood. He could probably be considered the equal of a youkai in combat.”

 

`But not a taiyoukai like you, you mean. Bastard.' The spinning blade was brought to a stop, allowing Mizuki's gaze to be uninterrupted. At her shoulder Shou hissed at the approaching male.

 

“Peace, little one. I am not threatening your mistress.” Seiji stared at the tiny dragon, rather startled when the response was a snap of teeth. “Rebellious.”

 

“Is there something that you need, Seiji-san?”

 

“I was hoping to watch your practice, actually.”

 

“No.”

 

“And why not? I will remember that you are a hanyou and that I should not expect too much.”

 

“I do not wish for your company.”

 

“Peculiar.” The taiyoukai crossed his arms. “I was under the impression that I was here so that we could see if we were compatible. I thought that my family had made quite an offer, to allow a half-breed to be the next Lady, but it was evidently not enough for you.”

 

“My decision will be based on my family's approval of you. I could not care less what your opinion of me is.”

 

“I do not believe you.” Seiji stepped in closer, making Mizuki's ears flatten. “I believe you are ashamed to be a hanyou, and that you do not wish to show your weakness. I do promise that I will not retract my offer because of your inabilities as a fighter. That would not be your primary role, after all.”

 

The grip on the naginata tightened, making Mizuki's knuckles stand out as white dots on her pale skin.

 

“Well, hanyou? What do you have to say for yourself? At least your brother was willing to display his weakness for me, while you will hide.”

 

Mizuki's fist connected with Seiji's jaw, knocking him back.

 

`You can tell they are related.' There was no time for Seiji to recover, since the naginata was in motion. Unlike her brother, Mizuki did not seem interested in practicing. She seemed to have plenty of deadly intent as she aimed for the male. Shou took off, seeking refuge on the sidelines.

 

The sword flashed as Seiji drew it, blocking Mizuki's attacks. While she had speed, she did not have her brother's training and the dragon noticed the difference immediately. The grip was not as sure, and she had none of her brother's easy confidence. What she did have was a lot of pent up rage.

 

The familiar whistling sound filled Mizuki's ears, blocking out the rest of the world. She was not angry, she was pissed, and she had no intention of listening to the dragon's voice any longer. The pale hands slid up the shaft, allowing her to attack with both ends. Moving in closer, she forced the dragon back at the edge of her blade. “You will be silent.”

 

“Give it up, hanyou.” A hard blow rattled the naginata loose, sending it flipping away to bury the blade in the ground.

 

Mizuki pulled her dagger but held onto it. It was the only weapon she had left, and she would not throw it away. She waited as the dragon circled her, his expression showing how much he was enjoying the heated glare that had replaced her usual icy demeanor.

 

She could see the next attack coming, but it was too fast for her to come up with a plan. A hard blow sent her to the ground, hitting her head hard enough to see dots of white across her vision. She could also see Seiji, reaching for her shoulder. The dagger was slammed into his arm and dragged down the length, causing even more damage when he yanked his hand back.

 

One foot pinned Mizuki's armed hand down while Seiji grabbed her hair. Low growls made her vibrate in his grip, as she grabbed his arm with her free hand and sunk her claws in. Smoke rose as the punctures grew, spreading across his arm. She dragged him in close, seeing her own reflection in his eyes as they widened in pain. “Bastard.”

 

“Bitch!” Seiji yanked his arm away, staring at the deep holes.

 

While he was distracted Mizuki got back to her feet, her eyes on the naginata that was several lengths away. She was fast, but she knew Seiji was faster. One step at a time, she eased away from the distracted male, trying to keep her eyes off of her weapon. The little dragon was zig zagging through the air, trying to figure out what he should do. “Stay there, Shou.”

 

The only warning was a whisper of silk, then Seiji was behind her, knocking her to the ground again. He kept both of her hands under control, and pinned her legs down with his own. Mizuki's eyes were tinted with red as she felt the body crushing her down, and knew that this time she was stuck.

 

“This is much more the position that you will usually be in, my intended.” Seiji hissed in her ear, enjoying the fact that the proud, distant female was now trapped. “I think I will look forward to this relationship.”

 

Mizuki's fangs sunk into his shoulder, sending blood running over both of them. His answering blow to her head left her dazed, not even remembering when he left.

 

----

 

The smell of blood alerted Sesshomaru before he heard movement outside of his door. “Mizuki.”

 

The door slid open to reveal his daughter, but in a state he had never seen. There was blood across her clothes, and she was holding one arm very carefully. When her eyes flickered up to his, he could see a nasty bruise across one cheek.

 

“Well?”

 

“A fight with Seiji-san.” Mizuki knelt across from her father, keeping her eyes on the floor.

 

“And you were defeated.”

 

“Hai.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I lost control.” The silver bangs fell forward to hide Mizuki's face completely from her father. “I acted in a rage.”

 

“And?”

 

“He is more skilled.”

 

Sesshomaru pushed the silver hair back to examine the bruise. “You have not been practicing.”

 

“There is no time.”

 

“You will make time.”

 

“Hai, father.” Shame threatened to swallow Mizuki whole. “Gomen nasai, father.”

 

“Why?”

 

“For losing.”

 

“I will assist you.”

 

The blue eyes finally met the amber ones. “Nani?”

 

“I will assist you, as I do Katsuro.”

 

“Arigato, father.”

 

“A healer?”

 

“No. I will mend.” Mizuki stood and bowed.

 

“Tomorrow. You will find time.”

 

“Hai, father. Arigato.”

 

Watching his daughter walk out, Sesshomaru suppressed the urge to destroy his desk. `I would very much like to slaughter that male, but Mizuki was the one to lose control. I cannot kill him for defending himself, even if I believe he was simply looking for an excuse to dominate her. Mizuki has pushed away any training for much too long. The Western Lands will survive without her care while she learns the skills that she will need in the East.'

 

Sesshomaru could feel Kagome moving towards him. `She has picked up on my emotional state. Annoying. She will not take this news well. Perhaps it will be an excellent lesson for Seiji if I let Kagome know what has happened. I am quite certain that the bruise on my daughter's cheek was not a necessary part of defending himself, and I am also certain that Kagome will not kill him. Just educate him.'

 

“What's up, Sesshomaru?” Kagome's eyes scanned the room, looking for the cause of his stress.

 

“Seiji and Mizuki had an altercation.”

 

“Altercation? You mean a fight? I'm going to kill him for starting a fight with Mizuki!”

 

“Actually, I believe Mizuki swung first.”

 

“Nani?” Kagome sat right next to Sesshomaru. “Mizuki started it?”

 

“She says that she lost control.”

 

“So he did something to make her lose control. Oh, he's going to pay.”

 

“It was a battle for dominance, I believe.”

 

“Who won?”

 

“Not Mizuki.”

 

“Oh.” Kagome set her head on his shoulder. “Should we just throw him out and write off this whole idea?”

 

“No.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“I have never heard of Mizuki losing control as she did.”

 

“And that's usually a bad thing in a relationship.”

 

“Unless she is half inu-youkai.”

 

“I've been dealing with this whole fighting for dominance thing for a long time now, and I still don't understand the youkai way of doing things.” Running her fingers through the soft hair, Kagome sighed to herself. “You'll tell me when you know more, right?”

 

“Hai.”

 

----

 

Carefully avoiding her mother, brother, and that damn dragon, Mizuki changed out of her blood spattered clothing and made her way to the baths. Soaking in hot water, she was able to deal with what had happened.

 

`I should have never swung at him. What is it about him that sets me into a rage? Words should never have that much effect. I have heard so much worse. Is it because I may end up spending the rest of my days with him? Why does it bother me so much that he looks down on me? Why do I wish to defeat him to the point that all rational thought disappears?'

 

`Without rational thought I am lost. I am not the fighter that my brother is, I am not a taiyoukai like father, and I am not a miko like mother. I do not even have the passion of Rin-neechan. Seiji is a talented fighter, and stronger then I am. I suddenly sympathize with shetai. Now I know what he was talking about when he had to face father, and in this battle he cannot help me. I must win this one on my own.'

 

`At least he seems considerably more willing then any had predicted. Tomorrow father will start training me along with Katsuro, and he will not take no for an answer. I do not know how I will keep up with my regular work and deal with being in full training, but I do not have a choice anymore.'

 

I believe you are ashamed to be a hanyou.

 

`And he is correct.' Her arms were draped across her knees, and now she rested her forehead on them. `I am ashamed. I did not want him to see that he could defeat me. As long as no one challenges me they cannot see that I am nothing more then a half breed. Is there even a point to my father's assistance?'

 

Images of Seiji lying on the ground filtered into her mind. `If there is even a chance of defeating him, I will try. Nothing would make me happier then seeing that dragon defeated.'