InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ Negotiations ( Chapter 26 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

A/N: I'm replying to reviewers at the end, I've just got too many I want to answer this time! As many people have mentioned Kouga and Yuriko, I'm curious on what people think of that pairing. I'm not completely sold either way (no matter what it looks like in this chapter) so you still have a chance to sway me. Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who's still with me! Not much left, really. It will all be over soon.

Own nadda.

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“I feel better.”

“Me, too.”

Yuriko and Kouga huffed as they leaned against a tree, staring at the results of their hunting trip.

“What're we going to do with all of this?”

“I have no idea. I am certain that Nami-chan will find a use for it.” Yuriko pushed her hair out of her face. “I must remember this for the next time I am so angry.”

“I know why you were yelling at the kitsune, but what's with yelling at your mother?”

“Oh . . . I was just mad, and I miss her. I have always wished that I had known her as an adult. Everyone talks about her like she was amazing.”

“She was.”

“Nani? You met her?”

“Twice. Once when she was just a little thing, and once when I had to run a stupid fucking errand for Hideaki-sama. She was with Merkamou-sama then.”

“What did you think of her?” Yuriko settled to the ground with her arms around her knees.

The wicked smile was back. “The kid? Cute, for a ningen, but damn skittish of me. The adult was a hell of a fighter. I remember seeing her sitting in some council meeting. Now, I was pretty stupid when I was younger. I asked someone who let the ningen in. She heard me.”

“Oh, that could not have gone well.”

“It didn't. She was really good with that damn dagger of hers. Gave the council a good laugh, with me hopping around with a hole in my leg.”

“That sounds like her.”

“She was really elegant and calm, came right over to get her dagger back. But the part I remember most? She smiled at me. I know she would've slit my throat in an instant if she thought I was a threat, but she just smiled and asked what my message was. She was that confident. That was what made her so incredible, ya know? A ningen that could just walk into a room full of youkai and demand that everyone shut the hell up. And they would.”

“Sugoi.” Yuriko leaned her head back to rest on the tree.

“You remind me of her.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, when you march into a room like you own it, or you go rushing into battle without a second thought.”

“Arigato. She was gone so quickly, not many remember her outside of the Southern Court and they were not all fond of her.”

“She was a warrior, not a politician. Of course they hated her. She probably beat the crap out of them.”

“All the time.” Smiling at last, Yuriko looked over to her new friend. “Arigato, Kouga-san.”

“For what?”

“For keeping me company tonight. For telling me stories about Mama.”

“Forget about it, hawk. And forget the kitsune while you're at it. They make loyal friends, but lousy mates. Especially the young ones. They've got no clue how to take care of their women. Now wolves, on the other hand . . . “

“Know exactly how to take care of a woman?” Yuriko met Kouga's eyes with a mischievous look.

The blue eyes widened. He had walked right into that one. “Um, well, yeah.”

“I will keep that in mind.” Yuriko gracefully found her feet. “We should go back before they send a search party.”

“Fuck. Hideaki-sama is going to have my balls for this. I'd guess that almost everyone is asleep already.”

“Language, Kouga-san.”

“Oh, forget it. Nothing's going to change me at this point. I don't know why I was even sent after you. You're the last creature that needs a damn babysitter.”

Yuriko laughed, feeling rather flattered. “Then you can explain that to my father when he returns.”

“I think you'll have better luck explaining it yourself. Race you back?”

“You are on.”

Even without his jewel shards, Kouga had several lengths over Yuriko by the time they arrived back at the village. He skidded to a halt, laughing as Yuriko jumped off of the wall to join him. “So, what do I win, hawk?”

“If you are lucky, I will let you keep your life.”

“Shit.” Kouga turned around to see Merkamou and Hideaki watching them. “When did you get back, Merkamou-sama?”

“A candle mark ago, and imagine my thoughts when no one can find my daughter, who was last seen with a certain wolf prince.” Merkamou stalked towards Kouga, his hand resting on his sword.

“I was keeping an eye on her, Merkamou-sama. Cho-sama asked me to.” The threat was not lost on Kouga, who dropped his hand to his own sword.

“She should not have been running around in the woods at night. Especially not with you.”

“And what does that mean?”

“I think you know what that means.” The wind began to whip around them, blowing the dust up to whirl around the wolf.

“Stop it, the both of you!” Yuriko shoved her way in front of Kouga. “Papa, I am fine. I went out for a run, and Kouga-san was following me. Nothing happened!”

“You know better, Yuriko.” The taiyoukai did not take his eyes off of Kouga. “I do not know this male, and do not trust him.”

The wind continued to pick up speed, forcing Hideaki back to the main house. Merkamou's eyes had picked up a red edge. Kouga stood his ground, drawing his sword. “I didn't touch her! What the hell do you think I am?”

“I said stop it! I am not a chick anymore, Papa!” The hanyou shoved her father, finally getting his attention. “I am an adult, and a fighter in my own right! I do not need you to watch my every move!”

“Enough, Yuriko! I am your father, and it is my duty to keep you safe.”

“No, I am done being the perfect daughter. I am going to start making my own choices!”

“Move, Yuriko!” Kouga shoved the hawk out of the way so he could lunge at the taiyoukai. Merkamou never moved, but a blast of wind knocked the wolf away.

“Leave him out of this! It has nothing to do with him!” The little hawk punched her father in the chest, making him break his attention away and let the wind die down. “I will do things my own way from now on!”

Yuriko spun around, walked over to the confused wolf, grabbed onto him, and kissed him. She broke away and took off for the headman's house.

`I'm dead. There is no way in hell I'm going to survive this.' Kouga tried to kick his mind back into action as he watched the impulsive hanyou's father. `But if I'm going to go, that is a damn good reason.'

Merkamou stared, his jaw hanging slightly open. The only sound was a smothered laugh from Hideaki, who was still watching the show.

“Merkamou-sama, I had no idea she was going to pull that.” The wolf prince took half a step back.

The Lord of the South burst out laughing, holding onto his side as he doubled over. “Oh, the look on your face, Kouga-san. I suppose I deserved that.”

“You did, Merkamou-sama.” Hideaki came down the stairs. “I made that mistake with my first daughter, and it ended with quite a bit of smashed pottery.”

Kouga stared at both of the taiyoukai. “So, you're not going to gut me?”

“I could not right now even if I wanted to. I just keep seeing your expression.” Merkamou doubled over again, wheezing.

“No offense, my lord, but your daughter is a fucking nut.”

The hawk lord wiped tears from his face. “I am quite aware of that. Where do you think she inherited that behavior from?”

----

“Do you hear that?”

Kagome cocked her head. “Nope, but I don't have your hearing. What is it?”

“My brother is throwing a temper tantrum.” Akane smiled to the ladies as she walked in. “I can hear him yelling, and Yuriko is yelling back at him. I was going to check on him when I felt his powers surge, but then I heard his dear daughter's name and decided to not waste my breath. They are both far too stubborn.”

“Should we go out there?” The miko looked nervous. “If Merkamou is that upset. . . “

“Let them be, Kagome-sama. They have been overdue for this.”

“Join us, Akane-san.” Mayu shook the sake bottle at her. “We have been having the most fascinating discussion about males and how they think.”

“This should be a brief conversation.” Akane went to find a cup of her own.

“I am going to kill all of them!”

“That sounded like Yuriko-chan.” Kagome looked up to see the little hawk storm by the door. “Hey, Yuriko! What's wrong?”

“Papa is fighting with Kouga-san because he dared to be seen with me, Kouga-san is being as stubborn as an ox, and Shippou is an idiot!” Yuriko stopped in the doorway, her arms crossed.

“Would you like a drink, Yuriko-san?” Mayu gave her bottle another shake.

“Hai.” Yuriko slammed down onto a cushion.

“Better make that two glasses, Akane!” Kagome called to the kitchen.

“I had a feeling my niece would be joining us.” Akane brought two glasses and a new bottle of sake with her. “So, little one, please start at the beginning.”

“Well, Shippou is an idiot is where it starts. He does not even see me as a female, but just as a friend. How could he be so blind? Or me, for that matter?” The glass Mayu offered was downed in one try.

“Wait a minute, you were after Shippou?” Kagome tipped her head to the side.

“Hai. I have been for ages, Kagome-chan. I should have made my intentions known long ago instead of being such a coward.”

“That explains Shippou-san, but where does Kouga-san come in?” Mayu poured another drink for the hawk.

“Your daughter sent him after me to make sure nothing happened while I was out in the forest. We ended up going hunting, and Papa completely lost his mind when I returned with him so late.” Yuriko took the offered drink, but sipped instead of gulping.

“So Kouga and Merkamou are out front fighting?” Kagome jumped up. “They'll kill each other!”

“They are probably distracted. I think I made my point to Papa.”

“What did you do, Yuriko-chan?” The miko sat back down, still looking concerned.

“I told Papa that I would not be his perfect daughter anymore, and then I . . . “

“You what, Yuriko-chan?”

“Oh, what was I thinking? I hardly know him!”

“Yuriko!”

“I kissed him.”

Kagome and Mayu both felt their jaws drop. Akane nearly dropped her drink. “You kissed Kouga-san? In front of Merkamou?”

Yuriko ducked her head. “Hai.”

The three ladies could not help it. They laughed until they had to rest their heads on the table.

The young hawk looked uneasy. “This is serious! Do you think Papa is going to kill Kouga-san?”

“I hope not, because I can't wait to razz that wolf for this one.” Kagome wiped at her eyes. “Way to go, Yuriko! I think you may have finally gotten your Papa's attention!”

“Unless, of course, he just kills Kouga-san.”

“Come on, ladies. We should go watch this. And bring the bottle, Mayu.” Kagome jumped to her feet and led the way to the courtyard.

Outside, Merkamou and Hideaki were still laughing with a perplexed Kouga staring at them. Kagome, Akane, and Mayu settled down with their bottle to watch the show, with Yuriko fidgeting behind them. Mizuki came out shortly afterwards, hearing the disturbance.

“Well, mother, you have been back for less then a night and already the chaos has started. I am beginning to believe Merkamou-sama's theory about you being the source of all chaos.” Mizuki leaned against the wall beside Yuriko.

“Hush, you'll ruin my fun.” Kagome let Mayu refill her glass. “We missed the show, but I think I see your father coming, so this could become more interesting.”

“I think I will find Cho. I have not had a chance to greet her yet.” Mizuki pushed away from the wall.

“When you find her, please tell her that I would like to speak to her.” Mayu took another drink. “I need to do some repair work.”

“As you wish, Mayu-sama.” The inu-hanyou bowed and went back inside.

Akane gazed after the inu-hanyou. “So, she is mated with Seiji-san now?”

“Hai.” Kagome was somewhat disappointed to see Kouga being allowed to leave, but kept her hopes up when Sesshomaru called Hideaki and Merkamou over. He was standing with Katsuro and Shippou in a small huddle. “What are you going to tell Cho?”

The leopard growled quietly. “The truth. I will not let her father mess this up.”

Kouga took Mizuki's former place against the wall next to Yuriko. “Care to explain yourself, hawk? You almost got me killed.”

“I was proving a point.” Yuriko could not make herself look at him, just too embarrassed by what she had done.

“Well, next time you want to prove a point, just do it when your father isn't breathing down my damn neck. I'd really rather stay alive.”

“I am sorry if I offended you, Kouga-san.” The dark hair and feathers hid Yuriko's face. `And after he was so nice to me, he will never talk to me again.'

“Offended me?” Kouga laughed, pushing his hair back. “You make me laugh more then anyone I know. You can prove that point any time you want, hawk, as long as your precious Papa isn't around.”

Yuriko's jaw dropped.

“He is flirting with you, Yuriko-chan,” Akane whispered.

“Nani?” The hawk stared at her aunt.

“We'll explain later.” The miko chuckled with Mayu and Akane, raising their glasses to each other.

All of the males were in a huddle, discussing something. The scene was not as entertaining as Kagome had hoped for. Mayu finished her bottle, and Akane opened the new bottle she had brought with her. The three ladies giggled and gossiped, scandalizing Yuriko and Kouga.

“I still watch the hand-to-hand practices. It is always an excellent showing of young, fit males.” Mayu kept her innocent expression as she sipped on her drink. Seeing the shocked looks directed at her, she blushed. “I am mated, not dead.”

“You wished to see me, mother.”

Cho looked rather haggard, and Mizuki looked murderous.

“Mayu-sama, I must say that I am tempted to harm your mate.” The inu-hanyou glared at the back of Hideaki's head. “What game is he playing at?”

“He is trying to force Katsuro to act, Cho. There is no other match.” Mayu tugged her daughter down to sit next to her.

“That is not the concern. Katsuro-san does not seem interested.” Cho played with the ends of her hair. “He said nothing to me or father. He just walked away.”

“Baka.” Mizuki marched towards the huddle of youkai lords. She caught her father's eye as she approached, but he said nothing. He would let her deal with the situation on her own.

“Excuse me, my lords, but I need to speak with my brother.” As though they were nothing put a group of low ranking soldiers, Mizuki pushed the Lords aside and grabbed her brother by his collar. “Now.”

Katsuro struggled as he was hauled away by his older sister. “What is it, Ki-chan?”

“You are an idiot, shatei.” Mizuki chucked her brother against a wall.

“You had to haul me all the way over here to say that?”

“Cho was crying because she believes that you will not fight for her. She is planning to leave with her family tomorrow.”

“Nani?” Katsuro wished again that he could see. How could he guess Cho's moods when he was handicapped like this? “I was being calm, and organized, and thinking before I jumped, and all of that other crap you keep telling me to do! I went to father, and he is talking to Hideaki-sama about her right now!”

“You forgot one thing in all of your planning, shatei. As usual, you missed one crucial detail.”

“Mated for one day and all of a sudden she thinks she's an expert.”

Mizuki pinned her brother, glaring at him. “This has nothing to do with me. You are speaking of my closest friend's happiness. You know that I am rather protective of her, and if she is unhappy because my little brother made a foolish mistake, I will correct it.”

“I made her cry?”

“Hai.” Mizuki released her brother. “She is quite upset.”

“I really screwed up, didn't I?”

“Hai.”

“Can you walk me over?”

“Nani?”

Katsuro gritted his teeth. “I'll explain later, and you'll have a great laugh, but just walk me over there, and make sure I grab onto Cho and not Mayu-sama or someone else. I don't need to be humiliated anymore tonight.”

Mizuki guided Katsuro over by his elbow, suddenly aware of the way he was not focusing on things. “You are blind, shatei.”

“Not completely. I can see some light and shadow now, but it's still pretty bad. It's temporary, so don't freak out.”

“I have never and will never `freak out'.” Mizuki spotted Cho getting to her feet, ready to flee. “Cho, halt.”

“I am not a soldier of yours, Mizuki.” Cho spun around to glare at her friend.

“Shatei needs to speak with you.”

“I do not believe we have anything to say to each other.”

“Now this is getting good.” Akane refilled her glass.

“Cho, stop.” Hoping he would not look like an idiot, Katsuro trusted his memory and the few shadows he could see to approach Cho. “Talk to me.”

Kagome clasped her hands together, her eyes shining. The huddle of youkai had all stopped their conversation to watch the small drama unfolding in front of them. Even Kouga and Yuriko were watching.

“What do you want me to say, Katsuro-san?” Cho was glad that Katsuro could not see her and would not be able to tell how shaken she was.

“I want you to tell me that you will stay with me. I don't want you to go.” Katsuro took a chance and grabbed for Cho's hand. `My eyes must be improving. I got it on the first try.'

“I do not have a say in that choice. That is for my father to decide.”

“Damn it all, Cho, talk to me!”

Cho startled back, only to be tugged against Katsuro's chest by her captured hand.

“I don't care about alliances or lands or any of that. I care about what you want, and I really want that to be me.”

“Katsuro.”

“I'll figure out a way, and to hell with what our fathers think. Just tell me what you want and I'll make it happen for you, whether it's me or not. But I have to know, what do you want?” Katsuro trailed his fingers down her hair, his heart pounding.

“You, Katsuro.”

“Really?”

Cho made a face. “What did I just say, Katsuro-kun?”

“Yes!” Katsuro picked Cho up and spun her around, sending the audience scrambling for cover. As soon as her feet touched the ground he kissed her, ignoring the spontaneous applause and comments from their audience.

“It's just so perfect!” Kagome was a pile of mush, leaning against the equally starry eyed Mayu and Akane.

“I guess this means that negotiations are over.” Merkamou ducked away from Sesshomaru, smiling when the taiyoukai's slash missed.

“She was always so well behaved before she befriended Mizuki-san. It is appropriate that she joins your pack, Sesshomaru-sama.” Hideaki rubbed his temples. “However, I believe Merkamou-sama is correct. I have no doubt that Katsuro-sama would defy us if we tried to stop them.”

“And I suspect that my daughter would help them.” Sesshomaru caught his daughter's eye. Mizuki was standing off to the side in the shadows, watching her brother's display. He saw a brief glimpse of sadness before the eyes were as expressionless as always. “We do not want to face them both.”

“Very true, to say nothing about what our mates would do. I never saw Cho as one of the Ladies of Japan.”

“She will do well.” Sesshomaru walked away to stand with his daughter, now watching the miko hug Cho. “Mizuki.”

“It simplifies negotiations.” The sapphire eyes looked up to the gold ones.

“Hai. You did as well.”

“True.” Mizuki gave a small shake of her head. “Please excuse me.”

Sesshomaru stayed in the shadows and watched her walk away. `Patience, daughter.'

----

“And what was all of the commotion?” Seiji found his mate in the kitchen, staring at a bottle of sake but drinking tea.

“It seems that my brother has picked a mate for himself.” Mizuki still felt uncomfortable around Seiji, unsure of how she should act. `It was simpler when I could just tell him I hated him and leave.'

“I assume that it is my Aunt Cho. What a tight little group we are creating. Who's lands will I be able to annex when I am Lord?” The dragon grabbed a glass and poured himself a drink. “I will not be able to attack your brother, and now he will ally with the North. Can we annex the South?”

“It depends. Not while Merkamou is in power, and not if Yuriko is the Lady. They are both pack. If it is someone else then it should be possible.”

“Why are you still awake, Mizuki? If you are up much longer it will be tomorrow. All of the participants in your brother's activities are already preparing for sleep.”

Mizuki forced herself to remain still and not fidget like a nervous pup. “I am not ready to sleep yet.”

“I can sleep somewhere else, if that is the problem.”

“Our sleeping arrangements are a moot point, Seiji.”

“You have been avoiding me again.”

The hanyou set down her tea cup before she accidentally crushed it.

“I never took you for a coward, Mizuki.”

Furious, Mizuki looked up at that damn dragon. “I am not a coward.”

“Then stop running away.”

“I do not run away from anything.”

“You have been running away from me since we first met.” Seiji grabbed her empty teacup and refilled it with some of the sake he was drinking. “If I am not in the room, will you go to bed?”

“Your presence has no effect on when or where I will go to sleep.” Mizuki snatched up the glass and downed the contents. “I am simply trying to keep from tiring you of my presence so early in the partnership.”

“No.” Seiji refilled the hanyou's glass. “I suspect what you are actually saying is that you are not certain if your presence is welcome.”

The sapphire eyes narrowed.

“I am learning to speak your language, Mizuki. I have been working on it for months now. Your presence is welcome, as long as you are not actively trying to kill me.”

“And what will it take to keep you from tiring of my presence? Am I to be nothing more then the source of the next generation?”

Seiji chuckled. “I doubt you would ever allow that. Your tactical abilities are well known, and the guard that you control has a reputation of its own.”

Mizuki let her shoulders sag. “It is a relief to know that I will not be considered completely worthless when I arrive.”

“So, we are now coming to the root of the matter.”

“Hn.”

“I have discussed this with my mother, and she is quite eager to have you as a military advisor. You can keep your rank as Commander, with your own unit to lead. I am certain that you will be a General before too long, but there is no need to rush.”

“You talked to her?” Mizuki's eyes locked on to Seiji's. “Why?”

“The impossible victory against Tsuki. Mother was still talking about it when I left her tonight, and even father was impressed. I could not let that go to waste.” Seiji smiled. “Or you.”

“Arigato, Seiji.”

“Have you settled enough to sleep now?”

“Hai.” Mizuki staggered a bit as she climbed to her feet.

“Why do I suspect you have no head for sake?”

“I would not know. I have never tried it before.”

Seiji caught her arm, supporting her as she walked to the room they now shared. “Too afraid of losing control?”

“I have not lost control.” Mizuki snatched her arm away roughly. She suddenly found herself pressed against the wall, Seiji looking into her eyes. “What are you doing, Seiji?”

“Father was worried about this combination from the start, saying that we would be too volatile and that we would destroy each other. We are both made up of jagged edges and sharp points, and neither of us is meant to be close to others.”

Mizuki sighed, relaxing so that she was not fighting him anymore. “Hai. I told you as much myself.”

“However, I told him that if there is anyone stubborn and strong enough to survive you, it is me. And I do enjoy a challenge.”

A soft, unhurried kiss was pressed against Mizuki's lips.

“Could you two do that in your room?” Shippou made a face, sliding open the door to his room so he could go to bed. “Honestly, if anyone ever told me that I'd be stuck watching Mizuki make out in the hallway I would've thought they were nuts.”

Mizuki blushed, realizing that position she was in.

“Move along, kitsune.” Seiji's voice held more then a hint of a growl.

“Have fun!” The kitsune disappeared into his room without another comment.

“Come, Mizuki. We should retire.”

She let Seiji tug her down the hallway, her mind spinning from more then the alcohol. Once inside of their own room, she caught him by the kimono and forced him against the wall. “I am at least as strong and stubborn as you, Seiji. And I also enjoy a challenge.”

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A/N:

hentai18ancilla: No fair predicting my moves! Ah, well, I won't change now. I can't plot out everything or this story will never end. I do have some one-shots planned to fill in the details, but this damn beast must end some day! As much as I love this little universe, it's just so long!

Foxy: Duly noted, that is one vote for no Kouga. I may have to get my sister to write about the night that Rin died, since it is a very dark story. I know what happened, but angst is not my strength. I may try to get her to write it as a one shot.

SJ: Not telling! Yes, I'm a wench.

Gppr: Hey, missed you, too! She is kind of like Rin, except that she's been pining over Shippou for so long, but its not going to happen (at least not right now).

blackXheart: Been there, done that, inspired the last line. Blah.

Matimay: currently, Ayame is in the mountains and slowly but surely taking over. As I said, I haven't completely decided their fates yet. He may very well go home and go after her. Or not. We'll see.

Nilee: I was going through my past messages, and thanks for checking up on me!