InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ Welcome Back ( Chapter 25 )

A/N: To quote Mark Twain, “The rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated.” No, I'm not dead, and I love you guys! I've missed everyone so much. Patience with Mizuki and Seiji, you know I won't leave it as a strictly `the inner demon made me' relationship. How else could I get her to unbend enough? And you know I have to give a sappy ending to someone. I'm just a sucker for romance. You guys really love the violent Kagome. Too bad she's usually a very gentle person and it takes a lot to make her blow. I'll go back and take another look at my spelling. I wish I didn't burn all of my betas out.

 

Me, own something of value? It is to laugh!

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

 

Akira opened her eyes slowly, trying to puzzle out where she was. `What has happened? We were in battle, but I remember nothing after that. Have I died?' Turning her head, she spotted Isamu. If she was not mistaken, the leopard had fallen asleep sitting up next to her. Her eyes took in the rest of her surroundings and recognized the home of the village's headman.

 

`So I am not dead. That is a relief.' Akira tried to sit up, but her body was having none of it. A soft moan escaped her and her eyes closed. `I must be injured still.'

 

The soft sound was enough to jerk Isamu awake. “Akira?” He grabbed onto her hand, afraid that he had imagined her moving.

 

“Hai.” The dragon forced her eyes back open.

 

Gentle fingers trailed over Akira's cheek. “I was so worried.”

 

“What has happened, Isamu?”

 

“You were shot, Akira. You have been unconscious for two days.”

 

“Two days?”

 

“Hai. You were almost torn in half, mate.”

 

Akira ran a hand over her body, wincing at the still healing injuries. “We are still alive, so I assume that we won.”

 

“Hai, we turned them back.”

 

“Where is Seiji?”

 

Isamu's face fell. “He found out who was behind this. It was Tsuki, and he made a move for the East. Seiji left with Mizuki to deal with him.”

 

“Why did you not go?”

 

“I couldn't leave you, Akira.”

 

Despite her annoyance that he would leave their son to defend their lands with only Mizuki for help, Akira could not help but smile at his devotion. “I would guess that you have been at my side since I fell.”

 

“Of course.”

 

Akira tried to sit up again. Isamu slipped an arm around her shoulders and helped her up. He slid onto the blankets behind her, letting her rest against him.

 

“Where is Kagome-sama? She must be worried about her daughter.”

 

“She was captured. Sesshomaru-sama went with a group to retrieve her.”

 

The dragon set a hand on her injuries, growling softly. “And I have been of no use. I should be with Seiji, or at least helping find Kagome-sama.”

 

“You were shot by a cannon, Akira. You've been very busy just staying alive.”

 

“Hai.” Akira let her head fall back to rest on Isamu's shoulder. “I could not walk across the room just now, much less face Tsuki.”

 

“Seiji and Mizuki are already there, I'm sure. I rather pity Tsuki.”

 

“I do not.”

 

“Isamu-kun, if I bring you some food will you just ignore it again?” Cho walked in the door and stopped. “Akira-san?”

 

“Cho-san.”

 

“You are awake!” Cho rushed over to kneel next to the dragon. “Should I find the healer?”

 

“There is no rush. If what my mate has told me is accurate, I have been in hibernation while my body repaired. I would guess that the worst of the damage has been healed now.”

 

“Perhaps Isamu-kun will eat now.” Cho pinned her brother with a glare.

 

“Easy, sister. If you bring food, I will eat. Can you bring something for Akira, too?” Isamu gave his sister a pleading look.

 

“Of course. I will let the healer know that she is awake, as well.” Cho left the couple alone, hurrying to tell her father as well as the healer that Akira was finally awake. `Maybe Isamu-kun will come back to his senses now. He has been a mess since she was hurt.'

 

Staying still was the last thing Cho wanted. She still did not know what had happened to her mother, Mizuki, or Katsuro. If her hands were empty all she would do was think about what could have happened to them. After helping to make lunch she followed Kumo around, trying to help in any way possible. When Kumo ran out of things for her to do, Cho was reduced to pacing the walls around the village and waiting for word of her family and friends.

 

When the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars came out, Cho was nodding off while still keeping watch.

 

----

 

“Are you going to talk to me, Yuriko?”

 

The little hawk avoided Shippou's eyes. “What do you wish to talk about, kitsune?”

 

“Anything! Usually we can't get you to be quiet, and the silent treatment is giving me the creeps!” Shippou tried to keep his voice down so Katsuro and Mayu would not wake up. “Is this about you knocking me off of Ah-Un?”

 

“You are an idiot, Shippou.”

 

“I know, I got that part. So just spell it out for me, Yuriko.”

 

“You offended me.”

 

Shippou wanted to bang his head on something. “I offended you. Okay. What am I supposed to do now? You and Katsuro are my best friends, and I can't stand this.”

 

Yuriko finally met his eyes, and Shippou swallowed hard. She knew her eyes were easy to read at the best of times, and she was hiding nothing from him. “Shippou.”

 

“Oh, Yuriko. I had no idea. I really didn't. Come on, we've been friends for ever.”

 

The tone of Shippou's voice and his anxious expression gave him away. Yuriko clenched her jaw against the raw pain in her chest. “But.”

 

“Are you really going to make me do this?”

 

“Hai.”

Shippou looked away. He couldn't stand the pain in his friend's eyes, and he knew he was the cause. “I won't lie to you. You'd find out later and hate me for it. I see you the same way I see Katsuro. You mean the world to me, but not the way you want.”

 

Yuriko realized she wasn't breathing and forced her lungs to work again. “Understood.”

 

“What, did you want me to lie to you?”

 

“No. Thank you for that, Shippou.”

 

The kitsune glanced over. “Did I just lose one of my best friends?”

 

The tears were trying very hard to put in an appearance, but Yuriko blinked them back. “No, Shippou-kun. It will just take me some time.”

 

“I'd rather have you yelling at me. Really. Would it make you feel better to beat me up?” Shippou offered a small smile.

 

The ploy helped. Yuriko gave a watery laugh. “Later, after we have delivered our charges.”

 

“Don't think I'm going to just roll over and take it. You're going to have to work for it.”

 

“Of course. I look forward to it.” Yuriko used the uneven terrain as an excuse to look away. `I will leave as soon as I can convince Papa to let me go. I cannot be around him now. After so long, I find that he has never wanted me. Now what?'

 

----

 

Cho jerked awake when she heard voices in the courtyard. `So much for watching for them.' Below her was Ah-Un and four of the missing youkai. Two were sitting on Ah-Un, propped up against each other. Cho's heart raced as she dropped off of the wall. “Mother? Katsuro?”

 

“See, told you someone would still be up.” Shippou smiled at Cho. “They're okay, Cho-san. They're just sleeping.”

 

“They were sleeping, you mean.” Katsuro's ears swiveled. “Are we back?”

 

“Hai. I am going to find Hideaki-sama so he can take Mayu-sama.” Yuriko jogged into the headman's house.

 

“Hey, Shippou. Yuriko sounds weird. What's going on?” Katsuro's ears twisted to follow the hawk.

 

“I'll explain later.” Shippou tugged Mayu forward so she was not leaning on Katsuro anymore. “Can you get down by yourself?”

 

“I think so.” Katsuro slid down and landed practically on top of Cho. “Gomen, Cho-chan.”

 

“What is going on, Katsuro-kun?” Cho touched his cheek. “What happened? Where are the others? Did you find Kagome-sama?”

 

“Mama is fine, she went with father and Merkamou to help Seiji and Mizuki.” Katsuro smiled as Cho tugged his chin down to examine him. “It was a successful mission, as Ki-chan would say.”

 

“And what has happened to you, Katsuro.”

 

“Well, there was a little accident.”

 

“Katsuro, I can see Cho-san's expression. Stop stalling for your own safety.” Shippou grinned as he supported Mayu.

 

“I'm blind, Cho-chan. It's just temporary, according to father.”

 

“Katsuro.” Cho trailed a hand over his forehead, studying his usually vibrant eyes. There was a faint gray mist over them, and his eyes were not focused on anything.

 

“I should have known she would return in this state.” Hideaki shook his head as he walked to the dragon and his mate. “She was the fiercest opponent I ever faced and she never did learn when to stop.”

 

Shippou handed Mayu over to Hideaki. The Northern Lord lifted his mate carefully, still smiling. “I thought your warrior days were over, Mayu.”

 

Cho watched her parents go inside. “What is father talking about?”

 

“Your mother put in quite the showing. She was blasting dragons out of the sky.” Katsuro leaned in close to her ear. “How are you, Cho?”

 

“I am in much better condition then you, I am sure.” Cho took Katsuro's arm and steered him towards the house. I am going to take him inside, Shippou-san. Do you need any assistance?”

 

“No, Cho-san. Yuriko will help with Ah-Un. I just want a bed.” The kitsune was already pulling the dragon's saddle off.

 

“It is right where you left it. We can hear the story tomorrow.” Cho guided Katsuro up the stairs and through the house. “You will definitely need rest.”

 

“You sound like Mama.” Katsuro made a face.

 

“Since she is not here, someone must ensure that you rest. Isamu is with Akira, my father is with mother. There are no decisions to make tonight, so you can take some time to recover.” Cho gave the hanyou a push and he tipped over onto his futon.

 

“Hey, what was that for?” Katsuro's ears tracked Cho as she moved around his room.

 

“Just in case you had any doubt of your need for rest.” The leopard pulled out clean clothing for him to sleep in. “Can you dress yourself, or should I find Shippou?”

 

“I'm not totally helpless. Besides, aren't you the one putting me to bed?”

 

“I am ignoring that question.” Cho handed Katsuro his clothes. “I will be just outside.”

 

“You're no fun.”

 

When Katsuro called her back in, Cho found him already sprawled on his futon. “Sleeping on Ah-Un really doesn't do much.”

 

“I can only imagine.” Cho knelt next to the hanyou. “Katsuro-kun?”

 

“Hai?”

 

“This is just temporary, correct? You will be able to heal?”

 

The black ears drooped. “I sure hope so. Father did not seem worried, but I'm not as sure. I can't see a thing, Cho. If anything happened, I would be helpless.”

 

“I will stay with you, Katsuro-kun.” Cho brushed his hair away from his unseeing eyes.

 

“Arigato, Cho-chan. I hate this. I hate being this vulnerable.”

 

“Sleep. You will not heal if you do not rest.”

 

“Just for you, Cho-chan.”

 

Long after Katsuro's breathing had evened out, Cho watched him and trailed her fingers through his hair. It felt wonderful to sit with him, listening to him breathe and knowing that he was able to relax because she was there. She rather wished that morning would never come.

 

`Uh oh.' Cho's mouth quirked up. `Mizuki will be very amused. Who would have thought that I could ever fall in love?'

 

----

 

“No sign of them?”

 

“For the tenth time, no, Katsuro-kun.” Cho rolled her eyes. They were sitting on the wall and enjoying the sun, but Katsuro was hoping that his family would be returning at any moment.

 

“What was Ki-chan thinking, taking off like that?”

 

“She was doing what was necessary at the time. If you ask if I can see them again I will leave you here on the wall to find your own way down.”

 

“I'll be good. Who do I hear running off?”

 

Cho searched for whatever it was that Katsuro had heard. “It is Yuriko-san. It looks as though she is going for a run, or to hunt.”

 

“Shippou's inside, right?”

 

“Hai. I do not believe he is her prey.”

 

“At least not right now.” Katsuro frowned as he thought of the mess surrounding his friends.

 

“Merkamou-sama will be very upset if he finds out that she was running around alone.”

 

“She's an adult, Cho-chan, and I don't know anyone that would go after her when she's in that mood.”

 

“What if something happens to her?”

 

Katsuro groaned. “I can't chase her down, who else is dumb enough to go?”

 

The leopard turned and scanned the courtyard. “Kouga-san!”

 

“Yup, he's dumb enough.” The hanyou yelped when Cho elbowed him, but he did not take back his comment.

 

“Hai, Cho-sama.” Kouga left his companions behind to join his lord's daughter.

 

“We just noticed Yuriko-san leaving the village. Can you follow her and make sure that she is not harmed?”

 

Kouga cocked an eyebrow. “I've seen her in a fight. What the hell would she need with a baby sitter?”

 

“Onegai, Kouga-san. I do not want to worry that something will happen while Merkamou-sama is gone.”

 

“What she means is Yuriko's pissed off and might do something stupid. We don't want to deal with Merkamou-sama if his only offspring gets hurt.” Katsuro smiled in Kouga's general direction.

 

“Why didn't you just say so? I'll keep her alive.” Kouga disappeared in a cloud of dust, racing after the hawk.

 

“How annoyed is Yuriko-san going to be when she notices Kouga-san?” Cho watched the dust trail disappear into the trees.

 

“Very. Hopefully she'll wait until I can see again before taking her revenge.”

 

“Wishful thinking, Katsuro-kun.”

 

“I know, but it keeps my spirits up.”

 

----

 

`Baka.'

 

Yuriko had been running for hours and now the sun was setting. One by one the stars came out, and she gazed up at them.

 

----

 

“Wishes on stars, Mama? That's silly.” Yuriko gave her mother her best mature look. “I am too old for that.”

 

Rin laughed, giving her daughter's hair a tug. “And what does age have to do with wishing? Your Papa is much older then you, and he wishes on stars.”

 

“Papa does many silly things, but I do not think he really believes in that.”

 

“I know he does. And I do, too.”

 

“Why, Mama?”

 

The deep brown eyes shimmered. “Because that is how he got me.”

 

“Really?” Yuriko spun around to look at her mother. “I thought he got into a fight with Sesshomaru-sama to get you.”

 

“No, silly. That was just a little . . . misunderstanding. Actually, we both wished for the same thing on shooting stars. Maybe that is why it worked so well.”

 

“So, if I make a wish it could really happen?”

 

“Maybe. It helps if you want it so much that you will do anything for it. But wishing certainly will not hurt.”

 

Young eyes searched the sky, looking for the perfect star for her wish.

 

Rin's breathing changed slightly, her hand going to her chest. To Yuriko's ears the change in the steady rhythm was deafening, and she held her breath like she always did. Only when the beat was back to normal did she breathe again. She knew that one day the rhythm would not fix itself, and then Mama would go away.

 

A star fell, and Yuriko's whole heart reached out to grab it.

 

`Please, please, let Mama stay with me.'

 

----

 

`Wishes are for fools and children.' Yuriko threw a rock, snapping a branch off of a tree with her force. `Mama did not stay for long after that. And I almost lost Papa that night as well. If Akane-chan had not found him . . . `

 

She forced the dark memories away, refusing to live that night over again. `It does not matter. Mama is gone, and no amount of wishing will bring her back. I have wished for two things in my life, and both have failed miserably.'

 

“Shippou no baka! Why?” A flash of talons and a tree fell to the ground. “I need you, Mama! I need your help! What am I supposed to do now?”

 

A small tree was sent flying through the air, making someone yelp and jump away.

 

Yuriko snapped her sword out, glaring at the bushes. “Who is there? Come out!”

 

“Easy, hawk. It's just me.” Kouga eased out into the clearing.

 

“And what the hell do you want?”

 

Kouga grinned at the usually well spoken if impulsive hanyou. “Not to have that aimed at me, for starters.”

 

Yuriko made a face, but put the sword away. “Why are you out here? Did you follow me?”

 

“Yeah, actually. Oh, don't get all pissy with me. They saw you take off and sent me after you. They don't want to deal with Merkamou-sama losing his fucking mind because his only daughter wandered off.”

 

“Language, Kouga-sama.”

 

“Kouga wha'?” The wolf prince doubled over laughing. “Oh, damn, I haven't laughed that hard in a while.”

 

“And what is so funny?”

 

“No one calls me that, not even my tribe.”

 

“Last time I asked you were a Northern Lord, and a Prince as well.”

 

“Feh. Titles.” Kouga gave an airy wave of his hand. “And what's all the yelling about?”

 

Yuriko's complexion suddenly matched the silk she was wearing. “It is private.”

 

“Private, huh? Then you better quit yelling about it. Kitsune turned you down, right?”

 

“What do you know about it?”

 

“Why else would you be out here yelling about him and trashing the forest? He's a kitsune. They aren't exactly faithful.”

 

“Shippou is not like that.”

 

“Really?” Kouga flashed his fangs in a wicked smile.

 

“Oh, fine, he is like that.” Yuriko sat down with a huff. “It changes nothing. I have been in love with him for so long, and now I know it will never happen. I just kept waiting and hoping and wishing . . . “

 

“That part I know all about.” Kouga plunked down nearby, taking advantage of a freshly downed tree. “I've been there, hawk. Sometimes it just doesn't work.”

 

“But I could . . . “

 

“Sometimes there's nothing you can do.”

 

“It was Kagome-chan, ne?”

 

Kouga let his head droop. “They told me she was dead. I believed them. Now I find out she's alive, and with dog-turd's big brother. It's just as impossible now as it would be if she'd died.”

 

“You really did love her.”

 

“Hai. I was so young and so damn stupid. I fucked up, left her with dog-turd when she should've been with me, and I wasn't even there when she fought Naraku.”

 

“So you have been through this.”

 

The wolf prince gave a raspy laugh. “Hai.”

 

“So, what do I do now?”

 

“I destroyed things. A lot of things. Running helps in a pinch.”

 

“It helped, but smashing things sounds even better. Want to come with me?”

 

Kouga shrugged and stretched. “Sure, why the hell not? I'm supposed to watching you anyways.”

 

----

 

Eating was a new challenge for Katsuro, but with a little help he was able to manage. Cho would nudge him back towards his food when needed, and kept him from knocking anything over. Shippou kept glancing at the door, wondering where Yuriko was. It was not like her to miss a meal no matter what her mood was. Mayu had joined them, nicely recovered after sleeping for most of the day, but Akira was still in bed.

 

Hideaki watched his daughter and the Western heir closely. Cho was obviously drawn to him, and Katsuro had been at her side since he had returned. He could not ask for a better match for his youngest, but the pace that this young male was setting would have them all dying of old age. The boy needed a push.

 

“Mayu and I are planning on leaving tomorrow morning. With the unease to the East I believe that we need to check on our lands. Cho, have your recuperated enough to return home?”

 

Cho startled, not at all prepared for that question. It had been months since she had been home. “I suppose so, father.”

 

“Excellent. Then you can travel with us. There is a possible match, and I would like you to be at home in case it is found to be acceptable.” Hideaki went back to his meal, ignoring the looks his mate was giving me.

 

“Oh. I did not know.” Cho set her chopsticks down and looked at her hands.

 

“Is there something pressing in the West? Is your presence still needed?”

 

Cho looked to Katsuro, who was clearly following the conversation, but he offered nothing. He remained silent and continued to work on his dinner. Confused and hurt, she looked back to her father. “No, I am your daughter. I will come home as you request. If you will excuse me.”

 

Katsuro clenched his free hand into a fist, his mind spinning. `He wants to take her back! I can't let that happen. I can't just tell him I want her, not when we're talking about the West and North. I hate being the heir! I have to wait for father to get back, whenever that is. Then he has to open negotiations, and hopefully I'll get priority over whoever this other bastard is. I can't let them leave until my family gets back.' Dinner had lost any appeal to him. “Hey, Shippou, can you help me with something?”

 

“Sure.” The kitsune took Katsuro by the arm and walked him out of the hall.

 

“What the hell are you doing, you old goat?” Mayu slammed a fist on the table. “What match? You know she wants Katsuro-sama, and Kagome-sama can make sure it happens!”

 

“I am simply giving the young lord a push. There is no other match.” Hideaki sipped at his tea, amused by Mayu's sputtering.

 

“You are playing with fire, Hideaki. Cho is really upset, and things like this are not as easy to plan out as battles.”

 

“Katsuro-sama is quite resourceful, and he will bring all of his skills to bear when the prize is as valuable to him as this one.”

 

Silence reigned as Mayu fumed, trying to plot out all of the possible results of this move.

 

Hideaki was working through his third cup of tea when Mayu spoke again. “If you are wrong, I will make your life hell for messing this up.”

 

“So this is why no one was looking for us. You were all too busy threatening each other.” Kagome smiled as she walked into the hall.

 

“Kagome-sama! You look well, all things considered. Where are the others?” Mayu smiled at the younger Lady.

 

“Mizuki and Seiji are with Akira and Isamu. Katsuro grabbed Sesshomaru as soon as we landed, and Merkamou is looking for Yuriko. What's going on?”

 

“Someone is playing games with Katsuro.”

 

“Oh?” Kagome looked at Hideaki, who was sipping his tea and trying to ignore the both of them.

 

“I believe I should go and greet Sesshomaru-sama and Merkamou-sama. If you will excuse me.” Hideaki bowed to the ladies before leaving.

 

“What did he do?” Kagome sat next to Mayu.

 

“He can be more meddlesome then an old woman sometimes. He is trying to push Katsuro into asking for Cho.”

 

“Nani? Why bother? I know Katsuro will ask, and Sesshomaru has already said that he didn't mind.”

 

“He is being impatient in his old age. Cho is the last of his cubs, and he wants to see her settled.” Mayu slammed her tea cup down and walked into the kitchen. “I require something stronger then tea. This may very well prove to be a long night.”

 

“I think I'll need some, too. If my head gets any worse Sesshomaru if going to be in here yelling at me to settle down.” Kagome followed Mayu into the kitchen.

 

Mayu retrieved a bottle and two cups, carrying them back into the dining hall. “What shall we drink to?”

 

“Meddlesome fathers that only want the best for their daughters.” Kagome raised her glass, smiling at Mayu's expression.

 

“Hai, may they finally learn the error of their ways.”

 

----