InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ To Be Happy ( Chapter 27 )

A/N: Nope, not dead. The holidays are nuts! I got my first real flame, sent to my personal e-mail, no less. My muse went into hiding for about a month. Pretty shocking that I've been writing this thing for a year and never gotten a flame before. Anyways, I bribed her back out since I've had several readers e-mailing and reviewing, wanting to know how the story ends. For that matter, so do I. Here, little muse, want a nice donut?

 

A huge thank you to everyone that wrote to check on me and poke at me. You are the reason that I have decided to finish this and to duly ignore that one nasty soul. Who would've thunk that I was such a wimp about these things? Oh, I'm renaming it, on FF.net and Single Spark, since the three names run together looks dumb. :-) Still own nothing.

 

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`What the . . . Where am I?' Kagome looked around, seeing leaves rustling in the breeze. `Am I in a tree?'

 

`Hai.'

 

The miko swung her eyes up to her mate's, perplexed. `And how did I end up in a tree?'

 

`I brought you here.'

 

`Okay, fair enough. Now for the million yen question. Why did you bring me to a tree?'

 

`You were not sleeping well. The occupants of the house were not settling down, and you kept waking up.'

 

`Oh.' Kagome snuggled into his chest. `That's so sweet.'

 

`Hn.'

 

`It's really kind of funny that you even think with that `hn' sound.' She stretched up to brush her lips against his. `And it doesn't change the fact that this was very sweet of you.'

 

`I could simply drop her from the tree and end this line of conversation.'

 

`I can still hear you, you know.'

 

`That will make it more difficult.'

 

Cobalt eyes narrowed as Kagome glared at Sesshomaru. `You're a pain, you know that, right?'

 

The inu-youkai's eyes swung away from her, and his attention was suddenly riveted on the surrounding trees. Kagome followed his thoughts with her own eyes and senses, trying to find what was disturbing him. `What is it?'

 

`Youkai. A group of them, and they are moving towards the exterminators' village.'

 

`Do you know how many there are?'

 

`Around fifty.'

 

`And I don't have my bow. What shall we do, oh great and terrifying Sesshomaru?'

 

The sarcastic comment got her a raised eyebrow from the taiyoukai.

 

`One day it's going to get stuck like that.'

 

`We are going to wait here. They will be coming close enough for us to ascertain what they are doing, so long as we stay hidden.' Sesshomaru shifted slightly, changing his grip on the miko to one that would allow him to move quickly.

 

`Got it. You pull in your youki, I'll do what I can with my aura, and we'll wait very quietly.'

 

It did not take long before the group of youkai were practically passing underneath their tree. Kagome made a face. `They're kind of a sad looking group, aren't they?'

 

`Do you recognize the uniforms?'

 

`I don't think so, but I've seen a lot of different uniforms lately.'

 

`They are from the East. I believe they are after Akira.'

 

Kagome jerked up straight. `We have to stop them! They're in bad shape, the two of us can take care of it before they even get to the village.'

 

Sesshomaru glared at his mate. `There is no need for you to endanger yourself. I can deal with them.'

 

`One day you're going to accept the fact that the fates have decided that I should be a walking target for danger. For pity's sake, look at who my mate is!'

 

`You have no weapons.'

 

`I'll improvise. They're getting away!'

 

`This is not a sound plan.' Sesshomaru leapt down from the tree, Kagome in his arms. `However, trying to keep you away is an even worse plan.'

 

`Exactly. Let's go!'

 

With the physical contact broken, the couple had to rely on other means of communication. Fortunately there was not much left to discuss. Sesshomaru drew Tokijin, while Kagome dropped down to pick up some rocks. With a quick wink to her mate, the miko hurled the handful of rocks into the midst of the group that was trying to arrive at the village undetected.

 

Whatever the pebbles hit exploded, including several of the youkai. Complete chaos broke out, with the soldiers running in all directions and yelling. The first two that Sesshomaru cut down did not even see him, but the third did and gave the chaos a healthy dose of panic.

 

“Sesshomaru!”

 

Kagome snorted when the youkai tried to stampede away from the inu-youkai. She had circled around to the other side, and several youkai slammed into a barrier that she had erected to keep them from escaping.

 

“Witch!”

 

“I'm not a witch, I'm miko! I'm just not very good at it.” Kagome's barrier pulsed, finishing off two unlucky youkai and frightening the rest back towards the taiyoukai that was waiting for them.

 

This group was in a sad condition to start with, and Sesshomaru was cutting through them like a farmer in the field. Why this group had been sent to try for Akira again was beyond him. It made absolutely no sense.

 

Kagome was leaving most of the blood shed and terror to her mate. He really did have a flair for it, while she could barely stomach it. One of the purified youkai had been carrying a katana, and she now clutched it tightly while she waited for Sesshomaru to finish off the stragglers. It had been a while since she had fought with one, but hopefully it would come back to her.

 

The barrier dealt with most of the soldiers. The size of it was draining her, though, and she needed to deal with one or two that managed to break through. The katana was too large for her, but it helped her cause that she only needed to get in one hit to turn them into a pile of dust. With each soldier, she had a harder time holding up her barrier. She took the time to glance over at her mate, to see how much longer she had to hold things together.

 

One of the soldiers had slipped around behind Sesshomaru, and Kagome was not about to let this possibility play out.

 

There was a dagger on the ground, and it would serve her purposes. The dagger flashed through the air, close enough to Sesshomaru to skim his clothing. The target youkai had raised his sword, aiming for the back of the great lord's neck. Kagome was in a panic, and threw everything she had into her attack, completely dropping her barrier and throwing that energy into her attack as well. She did not even notice the youki energy that was also drawn into her attack.

 

Sesshomaru felt the tug on his power, and felt the wild surge from his mate. He saw the dagger flying past him, and scarcely had time to bring Tokijin up before everything exploded.

 

The youkai she hit exploded in a blast of spiritual and youki power that radiated out until it engulfed the entire area. Sesshomaru and all of the other youkai were thrown back violently, and the smell of burnt hair and silk filled the air.

 

“Sesshomaru!” Kagome picked through the battle field, ignoring the piles of ash that had been the youkai. She could barely see, or stay on her feet, but she had to reach him. “Are you okay? I didn't mean to destroy everything like that, just the one that was behind you.”

 

“Miko.” The amber eyes opened and locked onto hers. “Training.”

 

“Hai, jo-chan.” The miko stumbled and fainted dead away, taking her mate with her.

 

----

 

“And just when Katsuro was preparing to go out looking for the two of you, despite the fact he cannot see. What the hell happened?” Merkamou was outside of the headman's house when Kagome and Sesshomaru returned. He could not miss the burn marks on Sesshomaru's clothing, or the tired look in Kagome's eyes. “Did you two have a fight?”

 

The miko grinned at him. “Hai, but not with each other.”

 

“Now, I am somewhat forgetful, but those marks look suspiciously like your energy, Kagome-sama.” Merkamou looked Sesshomaru over. “Are you sure that you are not responsible for his condition?”

 

“I never said that I wasn't responsible, I just said we weren't fighting each other.”

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, can you translate for me?”

 

“An overly enthusiastic attack.”

 

“Ah.” The hawk grinned at Kagome. “Did someone startle you, perhaps?”

 

“You're going to be next, trouble maker.” Kagome crossed her arms and stuck her nose up in the air. “Just so happens that there was a group of soldiers heading towards the village, probably for Akira, and we got rid of them.”

 

“Soldiers?” All of the playfulness was gone from Merkamou's tone. “Do we need to go after them?”

 

“They are gone now. I will find Akira.” Sesshomaru walked into the headman's house.

 

“It never stops, does it?” The hawk glanced at the blood on Kagome's clothes. It was clearly not hers, but it was still unsettling. “Now what shall we do, old friend.”

 

“That threat is gone, and they were in pretty bad shape to begin with. It's just more things that we can't deal with right now. That's the kind of stuff we have to put aside if the youkai are going to make it.” Kagome rubbed at her temples. “That's the whole reason I asked everyone to come here.”

 

“It seems so long ago that we agreed to come and discuss the future. Perhaps they will be more willing to listen to you now, after what has happened.”

 

“I hope so. Have you made up your mind, Merkamou?”

 

“Hai. As I have said, my court will be much harder to find from now own. I do not know how I am going to accomplish this, but I will find a way. I will not risk Akane or Yuriko.” The hawk's eyes were tired as he looked at the miko. “There will be those that refuse. There will be bloodshed and chaos during this transition.”

 

“I know. But if we don't do anything, everyone will die.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Maybe we all do anyways.”

 

“Enough. Sesshomaru can be the pessimist. It is our duty to see the positive possibilities.”

 

“Katsuro's a big enough optimist for all of us. But you're right.” Kagome have herself a shake, pushing the dark mood away. “Let's go see what Sesshomaru and Akira have come up with. I'm sure Isamu's having a complete fit over this.”

 

“After you, my lady.”

 

The dragon in question was on her feet for the first time since her injury, slowly pacing while Isamu tried to interrogate Sesshomaru.

 

“There might have only been fifty that time, but there might have been more! Did you even look for others?”

 

The inu-youkai did not move. He simply stared at the leopard until the young male started to squirm. “They were the only group.”

 

“Are you sure of that? We are talking about my mate's life, after all.” Isamu glanced over at Kagome, who was now standing in the doorway with Merkamou.

 

“Isamu, shut up.” The miko marched up to the leopard and poked him in the chest. “You don't think I'm concerned about Akira? There's no one else out there, at least not right now.”

 

Akira stopped her pacing, turning to face all of her guests. “I believe you, Kagome-sama. I also believe that there will be more attacks until I can bring the East back under control. My son and your daughter were able to regain control of our home, but it will still be war until I have returned and crushed the remnants of that traitorous family.”

 

“More fighting.” Kagome rubbed her temples. “So, when are you leaving?”

 

“Today. I cannot wait any longer.”

 

“Hideaki is leaving today, too. But not before I get to talk to everyone! Isamu, go find your father and bring him here. I need to see him before he leaves.”

 

Isamu looked down his nose at the little ningen. “The last time I checked, I was not a part of the Western Lands, much less a servant.”

 

“What is it with you and your amnesia?” Kagome brought up one hand, glowing brightly. “Don't make me ask you twice.”

 

“And you are the one complaining about the violence.” The leopard did manage to leave the room without looking like he was running away.

 

“Come and sit down, Akira-sama.” Kagome rearranged some cushions and beckoned the dragon over. “You really shouldn't be up for so long. Are you sure you're going to leave today?”

 

“You know I must. I will not be able to travel with much speed, so it is perfectly possible that Seiji and Mizuki will pass us, even if we start a day or two ahead of them.” Akira settled to the cushions with considerable grace, considering that she was still recovering from having most of her torso blown away.

 

`I didn't think of that. This means . . . Mizuki is going to be leaving in the East now. My little girl is going to be so far away!' Kagome dropped to the cushions with none of the dragon's grace, her mind nowhere near the room she was sitting in.

 

“Kagome-sama, I had no intention of leaving without bidding you farewell. You must not think I am in that much of a rush to leave your company.” Hideaki bowed and smiled politely at the two ladies.

 

“No, no, Hideaki. I just wanted to get everyone together one last time before everyone took off.” Kagome worried her lip, looking at Isamu. “If I let you stay, do you promise to behave? No yelling?”

 

“I am not a cub, Kagome-sama.” Isamu gave the miko a glare. “However, if it will make you more comfortable, I give my word to keep my voice at a moderate level and to keep my temper under control.”

 

`Look at the little youkai lord.' Kagome managed to keep from snorting, but she did wave Isamu over to sit down. “Okay, Akira-sama, what are your plans?”

 

The dragon lifted her tired eyes to her one friend. “I cannot simply go home and submit or disappear. I thank you for your warning, and I will consider it. It is the best that I can offer you.”

 

“And you, Hideaki-sama?”

 

“I have never been as visible as these younger courts.” The older leopard leaned against the wall, studying the much younger lords and ladies. “I agree with Akira-sama that we do not need to simply submit without looking at all of our options. However, I see no issue with dropping out of ningen sight. Few come to my mountains as it is.”

 

“Can I ask for one other thing? You as well, Akira-sama?”

 

“Ask, Kagome-sama. I will do it if possible.”

 

“A truce. All of us. We stop fighting with each other so we can concentrate on other threats.” The miko looked at them all, her eyes earnest. “No matter what you believe or don't believe, now is not the time to be invading each other!”

 

Isamu murmured in Akira's ear, too quiet for even the youkai to hear, but the dragon nodded at him. “We do not see an issue with this, since we were looking for a truce when we matched Seiji with Mizuki-san. I do not wish to deal with another war until I have dealt with the current one.”

 

“Spoken like a true dragon.” Merkamou gave the annoyed lady a smile. “As long as I am left alone, I will leave the others alone.”

 

“You are not generally considered to be a threat.” Hideaki glanced at the hawk, half a smile in his expression. “You have not led an offensive since you gained your position, or your father before you, unless it is at Sesshomaru-sama's side.”

 

“It would be your mistake to dismiss me that easily, Hideaki-sama.” The friendly smile grew more feral, with some fang behind it. “Just because I have not yet cast my eyes to the North does not mean I never will.”

 

“Knock it off, the both of you.” Kagome slapped her palm against the floor, calling all eyes back to herself. “I thought we were just discussing not cutting each other to pieces.”

 

“I apologize, Kagome-sama. I will restrain myself from annexing anyone else's lands for the time being.” Merkamou's expression swapped back to its usual jovial look.

 

“Hideaki-sama? Can I get the same agreement from you?”

 

“Hai, my lady. I will also refrain for the time being. There are other things to occupy my attention. There is no need to plan for a southern palace at this time.”

 

`Gonna kill the both of them. Of course Merkamou picks now to start acting like a taiyoukai.' Kagome rubbed her temples. “Isamu? Do you have anything to say?”

 

“Just that Merkamou-sama had best keep his eyes off of the East.”

 

`Gah! Make that three youkai in desperate need of having bits purified off!' The miko glanced over at her mate. “Good enough?”

 

“Hai.” The inuyoukai was not concerned about the hawk. Their alliance was as strong as ever, and his status as a pack member promised to keep it that way. Hideaki would most likely retire to his Northern fortress and not emerge again for another fifty or one hundred years. It was only the dragon that he needed to watch, and that was nothing new.

 

“Fine. We all stay out of each other's hair.” Kagome took a deep breath. “Please, please think about what I've said. I don't want everyone to be destroyed.”

 

Isamu looked at Akira, questions and comments clear in his expression, but his mate made a small gesture and he remained quiet. “I will stay in touch, Kagome-sama.”

 

Sesshomaru touched Kagome lightly on her arm. `Do not push them.'

 

She glanced at him, startled, but gave him a quick nod. “Arigato, Akira-sama. And to you, Hideaki-sama.”

 

“Mayu will wish to say her farewells, Kagome-sama. I am certain she is waiting impatiently for me.” Hideaki bowed elegantly, waving towards the door.

 

“Of course I'm going to say good bye.” Kagome jumped to her feet, leading Hideaki out of the room.

 

Without his mate in the room, the Western Lord turned his gaze to the remaining youkai. “Akira.”

 

“Hai, Sesshomaru-sama.”

 

“If you come over the border, I will destroy you.” The inu-youkai's cold voice dropped the temperature of the entire room.

 

“A threat, Sesshomaru?” Isamu bristled next to Akira.

 

“I do not make threats.” Sesshomaru easily rose to his feet, looking down at the injured dragon and young snow leopard. “The Western Court will become hidden, but do not think that I will not be able to strike you down should the need arise.”

 

“I thought your little ningen just finished saying that we need to stop fighting amongst ourselves.”

 

“She wishes to allow you a chance. Do not make her regret the decision.”

 

Sesshomaru glanced at Merkamou.

 

“This has been fun, but I do wish to bid Mayu-sama and Hideaki-sama farewell before I return to my own lands. Akira-sama, a pleasure to see you again, and I do hope to have the pleasure of your company in the near future. Isamu . . . well . . . there does seem to be some progress. Perhaps there is hope for you yet.” Merkamou bowed to the couple.

 

“Such a statement from Southern Lord. A weakling that could never hold his lands without Sesshomaru-sama to watch over him, and you are mocking me?” Isamu stood and looked down his nose at the shorter lord.

 

Merkamou looked the leopard up and down. “This did not end well for you last time, cub. Do you really need a repeat of that lesson?”

 

“Enough.” Akira looked up at Isamu, her expression slightly annoyed. “There is no point to this.”

 

“I do not take weaklings as allies.” Sesshomaru left the room, leaving the other taiyoukai blinking behind him.

 

“I guess that there is nothing left for me to say, ne?” Merkamou grinned and bowed once more before following Sesshomaru out.

 

The dragon glared up at her mate. “Hai, you have improved, but you have much to learn yet, Isamu.”

 

“You sound like my mother.” Isamu dropped down next to her.

 

Akira surprised the leopard by simply sighing and resting her head against his shoulder. “Timing, my mate. You must learn timing. Now is most definitely not the time to make new enemies. Later you can decide where you would like to expand, when we are in a position to actually do something about it.”

 

“And in the meantime, you expect me to just sit here and look defenseless?”

 

“Not defenseless, but you should not look like a threat either. Let them believe that we are harmless for the time being.”

 

“If you insist.”

 

“I do.” Akira struggled to her feet, making Isamu jump up to help her. “We must leave today. The situation in the East must be worse then I thought if there are still units looking to kill me.”

 

“If you are sure that you can.” Isamu did not even attempt to hide the concern in his eyes. “Another day will not make that much of a difference.”

 

“Hai, you do need to learn more about timing.” The dragon shook her head, moving unsteadily across the room. “We leave today, as soon as possible. The East is mine, and it shall remain that way.”

 

“And when are you going to tell me what that miko was talking about?”

 

“I cannot tell you everything, but I will tell you what I can.” Akira smiled to herself. `Come what may, I will not break my word to Kagome.'

 

----

 

“Shatei.”

 

Katsuro turned when he heard his sister's voice, and was rather relieved to see a shadow that was vaguely shaped like her. Another day or two, and his eyes would be healed. “Hai, Ki-chan?”

 

“Walk with me.”

 

“You really sound like father. What's up?” Katsuro turned when she set her hand on his elbow and steered him to the village gate. She said nothing until they had moved a fair distance away from the hustle and bustle of the departing youkai lords.

 

“I need to speak with you.”

 

“Did I upset Cho again?” Katsuro replayed last night in his mind. `She seemed pretty damn happy. Probably woke everyone up at least once, but that's not a reason to be mad at me. I don't think it is, anyways.'

 

“No, shatei. This is about me.”

 

“What about you, Ki-chan?”

 

Mizuki stopped and sat with her back against a tree, her brother next to her. “You know that Seiji and I are mates now, correct?”

 

“How could I not know? You came back smelling like him, and Shippou said he found you two kissing in the hallway.”

 

“And you do know what this means?”

 

“That my nieces and nephews are going to be one quarter dragon, one quarter leopard, one quarter inu, and one quarter miko? And probably a little pack of killers?”

 

Mizuki smacked Katsuro on the back of the head.

 

“What else is it supposed to mean?”

 

“I must leave. I will now be living in the East.”

 

“Kind of goes along with the whole mated thing.” Katsuro saw some movement and ducked, avoiding his second smack. “What's wrong, Ki-chan? Really? You seem really worked up.”

 

“I am leaving, shatei.” Mizuki stared at the horizon, playing with the end of her braid. “I will not be with you anymore. How can I fulfill my promise to you if I am so far away?”

 

“Oh, Ki-chan.” Katsuro knew he was just asking to have his arm snatched off, but he dropped his arm around his sister's shoulders. “You didn't break your promise to me by mating Seiji. Really.”

 

The older sibling went rigid for an instant when she felt Katsuro's arm, but then relaxed. “And how, exactly, will I be able to fulfill my obligation now?”

 

“Are you kidding? Um, the whole being the next Lady of the East! How better to keep me in power then to have the entire East backing me!”

 

Mizuki tipped her head to the side. “It might help.”

 

“Might? My mate is the Lord of the North's daughter, and my sister is the next Lady of the East. Sounds like a pretty good spot to me.”

 

“I still feel that I have abandoned you.”

 

“You haven't. You couldn't do something like that, and we both know it.” Katsuro gave his sister a shake. “Between the two of us, we're going to rule half of Japan.”

 

“And what of Seiji and Cho?”

 

“I know exactly who is going to rule the East, dear sister. I also know exactly who will be ruling the West.”

 

“It is a good thing that Cho is very sensible and organized. She is well suited to rule.”

 

“Exactly.”

 

“So . . . “ Mizuki looked to her brother. “I have not betrayed you?”

 

“Not at all. Father was right.”

 

“About what?”

 

“You deserve to be one of the rulers of Japan. You are going to be an incredible Lady, and everyone knows it.” Katsuro started to chuckle. “I do feel kind of bad for Seiji, though. A lifetime bound to you.”

 

The dark haired hanyou grunted when he was knocked over by his annoyed sister.

 

“Exactly what I mean. You're picking on your badly injured, younger brother. Who knows what depths you will sink to?” Katsuro did not need his eyes to know that his sister was moving, and growling. He dodged, but not very effectively when what he thought was Mizuki turned out to be a tree. His sister caught him and twisted his arm behind his back. “I give! I give!”

 

“Foolish.” Mizuki released him and pulled him to his feet. “We should return before they become concerned over our absence.”

 

“Cho's convinced that I'm going to fall down some stairs or off of the village wall before I get my eyesight back. She's probably looking for my body as we speak.”

 

“She is a perfect match for you, shatei.”

 

Katsuro stopped, tugging his sister around to face him. “Tell me something, Ki-chan?”

 

“Hai.”

 

“Seiji. What do you feel for him?”

 

“He is acceptable. We are still working out the nature of our relationship, but I do not believe that we will kill each other.”

 

“Ki-chan. Don't play games with me. Can you be happy with him?”

 

Mizuki's head drooped. “I hope so, shatei.”

 

“You're not instilling much confidence in me.”

 

She chuckled, surprising her brother. “Hai. Probably because I am still a bit uncertain myself.”

 

“Then why, Ki-chan? Why him?”

 

“There are so many reasons. In the end, I wanted to.”

 

“So you wanted to be with him.”

 

Mizuki paused, surprised by her own words. “It would seem that way.”

 

“Do I need to kill him? Maybe give him a firm talk and a bit of a beating?”

 

His sister laughed, taking his arm to lead him back. “No, shatei. I will manage to keep him in line.”

 

“If he hurts you . . . “

 

“Father has already claimed the honor of killing him.”

 

“Then he's going to need to bring Tensaiga, so I can have a turn.” Katsuro sighed, looking at his sister's profile. “Do you love him, Ki-chan?”

 

“No.”

 

“Could you love him?”

 

“I do not know, shatei.”

 

Her brother gave her a poke. “Don't rule out the possibility. Weirder things have happened.”

 

“I will keep it in mind.”

 

----

 

The tearful goodbye with her mother was over with, and her brother's and Cho's encouragements had been said. Even Yuriko had come with her father and Shippou to wish her luck in her new home. Mizuki now stood with Shou, watching as Seiji bowed to her mother. It appeared that he was being threatened, but that was to be expected.

 

“Daughter.”

 

“Hai, father.” Mizuki looked up to her father, who was rather suddenly standing next to her.

 

“Watch the dragon.”

 

“I will not trust him.”

 

Sesshomaru looked at her. “Not Seiji. Akira.”

 

“And Seiji?”

 

The inu-youkai watched as Kagome waved a finger at the dragon that was now a pack member. “Perhaps.”

 

“Hn.”

 

“Any reason.”

 

“And I will tell you.”

 

Sesshomaru nodded and walked away. Mizuki looked after him, a hint of a smile on her lips. `I will let you know if I need your help. And I will miss you, too, Papa.'

 

Seiji had escaped from the miko, and was walking over with a rather amused expression. “Evidently, if your mother finds that I am mistreating you in any manner, I will never be able to produce an heir.”

 

“I suspect that Mama used a slightly more graphic description.”

 

“Extremely graphic.” Seiji looked Shou over, noting that Mizuki had a pack slung over her back and appeared to be ready to depart. “Shall we?”

 

“Hai.” The inu-hanyou swung up onto Shou. Her belongings that were still in the West would be sent to her. Her eyes found her family, standing in the courtyard together. She saluted her parents, and gave a small wave to her brother. Shou leapt skyward, chasing after the dark blue dragon that was already racing off to the East. In a matter of seconds her family was out of sight. Mizuki turned her eyes back to the front, following that dragon and racing towards her new life.