Two Months to Live
Chapter Twenty: Memories that Evoke Manners?
Fanfiction by: Corisu Li, Mystellia@aol.com
, home page http://www.freewebs.com/chasms/
This is a sequel to One Month for Romance. It is complete in 27 chapters.
It has a few plot twists that will shock you.I'm posting it here with the
permission of the author. I found it at http://www.geocities.com/inuyashakarma
. Enjoy. Tim Seltzer
Disclaimer: Corisu Li: I don't own 'em, don't sue me. *sighs*
And since Kuno-chan felt the urge to run off and leave me, I guess I'm
stuck repairing the Chibi World Barrier... *waves hand and seals rip* Crud.
That didn't take very long...
Kunoichi: *runs up, holding Chibi Kirara by the tail* Got her! KAWAII!!
Corisu Li: *blinks* Yah. Well, toss her in! *wiggles nose and a door
appears in the Chibi World barrier*
Kunoichi: o.o Do I hafta?
Corisu Li: *pointed glare*
Kunoichi: Fiiiiiine... *puts Chibi Kirara in and shuts door*
Corisu Li: Great... now all we have to do is find the others and- KYAAAA!!!!
*Trapdoor opens under Corisu's feet and drops her out of sight. Kunoichi,
the brain surgeon that she is, doesn't notice.*
Kunoichi: And what? Corisu? Coriiiiiiiiisu? C- WHEEEEEEEEE!!!
*You guessed it. Another trapdoor.*
***Meanwhile***
Aamalie: *is happily hugging Sessi and Miroku at the same time* ^___________^
Miroku: Isn't HE your fiance?
Aamalie: He hasn't proposed yet... *gives Sessi a look that says, quite
plainly, "HINT, HINT"*
Sessi: -_- Release me.
Aamalie: Nope! Hey, what's that?
*A sign comes into view, reading "Chibi Lair ahead".*
Aamalie: Hmmm...you know, I think we could find the chibis there!
Miroku and Sessi: *facefault out of her grip*
Miroku: Really? I never would have guessed.
Aamalie: C'mon! Let's go! *drags them off by their collars yet again*
***In the Chibi Lair***
Kagome: No! Not that! Anything but that! NOOOOO!!!
Sango: Have mercy!
Inuyasha: Stop it, you crazy wench! *kicks Chibi Kikyou, who goes flying*
Corisu Li and Kunoichi: *fall from the ceiling*
Corisu Li: Ow. That hurt. Badly.
Chibis: YAAAAY!! More toys!
Corisu Li: *looks around* O.O This is bad.
Summary: Sequel to One Month for Romance. Miroku
finds that he has two months before the kazaana sucks him in. Will his
friends be able to save his life and stake claim over the Northern Lands?
And what does Kikyou want?!?!
Chapter 20: Memories that Evoke Manners?
"Is he still coming, then?" Yuya asked, tucking a lock of her raven hair
behind her ear.
"Yes. If Suikai wants a fight, then she will get one. With the other
three cardinal directions allied, she wouldn't dare attack directly," Sesshoumaru
responded, choosing to gaze out of the window rather than meet her eye.
"What makes you think that all three will be represented today?"
"Inuyasha would have claimed the lands despite the circumstances. We
are merely making him come to terms with his decision a little early."
"Oh, really? And if he refuses?"
Sesshoumaru stood, quite abruptly, and headed toward the door. "He will
not."
Yuya sighed. "If you say so, Sesshoumaru-sama. By the way, we have about
an hour before Inuyasha's associates arrive. There is one who can hide
Rin during our assembly, correct?"
"Hn," was the only sound that escaped Sesshoumaru's mouth. He swept
from the room, toward the chamber where he'd left Inuyasha to dress. Before
he could reach it, however, a green mass tumbled down the stairs to his
immediate right, followed by a young girl.
"Rin, behave yourself today. We will be having company."
"Company, Sesshoumaru-sama?" the girl squealed, clapping her hands together.
"Rin loves company! Who will it be? Will it be Misa-chan again?"
"Iie. You will address him as Lord Shirokin. He rules the South."
Rin made a puzzled face. "Rin thought Sesshoumaru-sama's brother ruled
the South..."
"He rules the North."
"Ano...Rin thought the bad lady ruled the North."
Sesshoumaru sighed. "No matter now, Rin." He shoved the unconcious green
blob that was Jaken out of his path with a foot. "Get up, Jaken, and get
ready for Shirokin's arrival."
Jaken was up in a flash. "Milord, do you mean to say that that hot-tempered
Taiyoukai is coming HERE? Why?"
"Do not question me. Rin, take Jaken back upstairs."
Rin grinned widely. "Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama." She carefully closed her
fist around the toad's neck and flounced back up the staircase, taking
extra care to whack him against the wall a little more than was necessary.
(a/n: Aaaahhh... Jaken-bashing makes the world go 'round.)
Sesshoumaru stared after her. 'The one who ruined me...' he thought,
then shook his head to dispel the idea. He turned his head to face forward
once more and continued toward Inuyasha's chamber.
-----------------------------
(a/n: I know some of you are just as confused as Rin-chan... ^____^
But never fear, I shall simplify the directions:
N - Inuyasha/Kagome S - Shirokin E - Suikai W - Sesshoumaru ... duuuuh
...
Hmm. I just realized that most of their names start with 's'. I just
like the OC's names, though... Shirokin = 'white gold'...well not exactly,
but close enough... and Suikai = 'water goddess'. Enough of my ranting,
sorry!)
-----------------------------
Inuyasha hadn't really thought about it. As a matter of fact, he hadn't
even realized that he had it. That was, until he looked on the table upon
entering the room.
"The... the Shikon no Tama..." He walked over and picked it up, holding
it in his palm. A gentle warmth radiated from it, heating his hand. "It
must've stayed in my hand after I passed out in the woods. I can't believe
it... after all of this time... it's done." He rolled the jewel between
his fingers, thinking.
"I could use it now. I could be a full youkai! But..." Inuyasha walked
to the window, staring at the beautiful grounds of the castle. "Kagome..."
he whispered. As he thought about his circumstances, he suddenly felt someone
coming. He couldn't hear the person, probably because they didn't wish
to be heard, but he could feel their presence nonetheless. Putting the
jewel into the folds of his robes for safekeeping, he turned to face the
door.
A few moments later, Sesshoumaru entered, giving his brother an appraising
look. "Much better than that peasant garb that you usually wear," he commented.
Inuyasha was wearing robes very similar to Sesshoumaru's. The only differences
were the color (the designs were all black, while the main color was a
deep crimson) and the armor. Instead of passing over one shoulder, it crossed
over his chest. His feet were clad, for once, in traditional slippers.
The hanyou folded his arms and snorted. "Why did you want me to wear
this crap, anyway?"
"If you are to be a Taiyoukai, Inuyasha, you must look the part."
"Who says that I am? I could just say no, you know."
Sesshoumaru fixed him with a penetrating look. "You won't. The thirst
to rule is dominant in your veins. Though you are hanyou, within you flows
the blood of our noble father. Your other, less favorable side, contributes
the blood of a high-class hime. Even though you are an abomination, you
should not be ashamed of your blood."
Inuyasha blinked. "What's WRONG with you, Sesshoumaru?" he asked finally,
an incredulous look on his face. "You probably could have killed me a dozen
times by now, and yet you haven't. What's going on?"
"It is best not to have enemies when there is a more powerful threat.
I suppose the Sage has already informed you of the state that my lands
are in?"
Inuyasha could no longer make his mouth work. He just nodded.
"Suikai is a powerful adversary. If I were to enter into battle with
half of the cardinals against me and one that was indifferent to my plight,
it would take more effort on my part to succeed."
"Who's this one that you said would be indifferent?"
"I was referring to the Southern Lord, Shirokin. He is visiting today
for a small conference. He never was a fan of Suikai's... nor a fan of
mine. I aim to sway him."
"Why does he matter so much?"
"I said before, it is best not to have enemies when there is a more
powerful threat. If I do not gain his alliance, Suikai certainly will."
"So why the fuck am *I* still here?" Inuyasha finally asked, taking
a step toward his brother and fixing him with an unwavering stare.
Sesshoumaru returned the look with ease. "For the same reason, little
brother."
Inuyasha scoffed. "Screw this, I'm out of here." He stalked toward the
door. Before he could reach it, Sesshoumaru blurred and reappeared in front
of him, arms crossed. With a swift motion, he backhanded Inuyasha across
the face, rather softly. This meant that Inuyasha just crashed to the ground,
as opposed to flying through a wall. He landed with an 'oof' and raised
a hand to his cheek.
"How dare you shame our father with such disrespect and foulness! Do
you remember nothing of the years when you lived with him? Youkai mannerisms
are important, Inuyasha, and they will be more important when Shirokin
arrives. He is very strict, and any insolence may lead to your death."
Inuyasha looked up at Sesshoumaru, his cheek throbbing. "Do I... remember?"
he muttered. Then, a memory flashed to the surface of his brain, one that
seemed almost buried under layers of indifference and childhood anguish:
***Flashback***
"Chichiue, I'm bored! Can't we train or something?" Inuyasha tugged
on his father's sleeve and tried his most winning pouty face.
"Iie, young one. Manners are just as important as fighting, sometimes
more so. Watch your Hahaue and I."
As Inuyasha watched, his father performed the greeting that was customary
for mates when they had been separated. Inuyasha yawned for effect, but
was really paying close attention.
"Did you get the motions, Inuyasha?" His father asked, turning once
more to his young son.
Inuyasha yawned again, this time directly at his father. "Yes, Chichiue.
NOW can we train?"
His father chuckled. "There is still much to learn, Inuyasha. There
are many occasions where manners must be taken into account. There is a
procedure for leaving a room occupied by a family member, one for proper
dining, one for nearly everything... you have much to learn."
"Hahaue!" Inuyasha whined, turning to his mother.
"Gomen nasai, Inuyasha, but I agree with your father. You must learn
this." Her eyes crinkled in a smile and Inuyasha sighed in defeat.
"Ok, Chichiue. Show me one more time. But after I get this, we train."
The man laughed and put a hand on the boy's head. "Aa, Inuyasha. You
win."
***End Flashback***
Inuyasha shoved himself to his feet and looked directly into Sesshoumaru's
eyes. He then stepped forward and bowed deeply, his arms held at his sides.
"Honored brother, forgive my rudeness."
Sesshoumaru's eyes temporarily widened, but they returned to their normal
cold look within seconds. "Rise," he finally managed. Inuyasha did, and
met Sesshoumaru's gaze once more, smirking slightly.
Sesshoumaru was inwardly pleased. 'Maybe there's more to him than I
thought.' Aloud, he said, "How much more do you remember, Inuyasha?"
--------------------------------
Kagome raced through the trees, enjoying the feeling of running flat-out.
After much consideration (as well as a hearty breakfast) Miroku and Sango
had insisted on leaving with Kagome to confront Sesshoumaru. Kunoichi,
Shippou Ninsei, and Kohaku had protested, claiming that they too wanted
to help. Kagome quickly squashed those aspirations by telling them to remain
behind as backup. If the trio (as well as Kirara) wasn't back in Senpai
in two days with Inuyasha, they were to follow and provide backup. It just
seemed ominous to travel in a large group. It gave the impression that
some members could be spared.
Sango was reluctant to leave her brother behind. Now, she rode Kirara
in silence, her thoughts probably still with the boy back in the village.
Miroku sat behind her, reluctant to fly himself because it took up too
much energy, energy that could be of use during a fight.
"We're close!" Kagome finally called out to them.
'It's about time!' Miroku thought. 'We've been travelling since early
morning, and now it is well past midday!'
'Kohaku, be careful while I'm gone...' Sango's thoughts were still on
her brother, though they should have been on the houshi sitting behind
her...
And Kagome? Kagome's thoughts were a little something like this:
'Akira? No, I don't like that... too plain. Tsuki? Hn, no... I want
a name that means something, like Sakura! Oh... but what if it isn't a
girl?'
This continued for about another half-hour, until the large castle that
belonged to none other than Sesshoumaru loomed in the distance. Of course,
there was a gate, and of course, the guard was no match for Kagome's claws.
"Okay, get ready, you two!" Kagome hissed. "I don't know why he hasn't
attacked already; he has to know we're here... Well, here it goes..." She
pushed the door wide open and immediately fell into a battle stance...
and her mouth immediately fell open.
Sesshoumaru stood in the entrance hall, and beside him stood someone
that the humans didn't recognize at first. This person was clad in clothing
very similar to Sesshoumaru's, and his hair had been carefully brushed
so that it flowed in soft white waves down his back.
Kagome stared for a while until she managed, "In...Inu...yasha?" Sango
and Miroku immediately looked closer at Sesshoumaru's companion and saw
why they hadn't immediately recognized him. His ears were neatly flattened
to his head, blending perfectly with his neat and orderly hair. His expression
was calm, almost mirroring that of his older brother.
Sesshoumaru looked out of the corner of his eye at Inuyasha. 'Now is
the time to see if he is truly ready to face Shirokin...' he thought. He
needn't have worried.
Inuyasha suddenly strode forward and took Kagome's right hand in his
own. He then dropped to one knee, dipped his head, and pressed a kiss to
the back of her hand. "My heart has not strayed in our separation, dear
mate. Assure me of your devotion." His voice was regal and proud.
Kagome blinked. "Wha-wha?"
Sesshoumaru stepped forward then. "Repeat these words: 'Arise, dear
mate, and behold that which is only your own.'"
Kagome stared for a second, then complied, an odd look on her face.
When she had completed her part, Inuyasha stood and put the index finger
of his right hand under her chin. Very smoothly, he brushed a kiss across
her right cheek, her forehead, and her left cheek. That done, he turned
to Sesshoumaru and smirked. "See? Told ya I remembered!"
Sesshoumaru nodded. "Very good, Inuyasha. I see you have thrown away
a small portion of your arrogance. Well done."
Miroku cleared his throat and spoke up then. "Yes, it was rather entertaining,
but would someone mind explaining what is going on?"
"Why aren't YOU-" Sango indicated the two brothers, "-fighting? Why
is Inuyasha dressed like that? And what-"
"What was that thing he just did?" Kagome finished, her hand still slightly
stretched in front of her. She wanted to throw her arms around Inuyasha's
neck and hug him until he turned blue, but that wasn't really an option
at the moment. She was too dumbstruck.
"Standard youkai custom. A male must always greet his mate in such a
way when they have not slept in the same location." Sesshoumaru looked
her over appraisingly. "Do you have no other clothes?"
Kagome flushed, ignoring the fact that she was talking to someone who
had tried to kill her mate plenty of times (and had almost succeeded).
"I think what I'm wearing is just FINE, thank you!" She folded her arms
and huffed.
Inuyasha responded to this, because he could see Sesshoumaru getting
agitated (actually, he could only *feel* it; his face betrayed nothing).
"Kagome, the Southern Lord is coming here today. As a matter of fact, he
should be here in a short while... He's very traditional, and very biased.
If he doesn't like the way you look, he'll kill you where you stand."
"Why would he do such a thing?" Miroku asked.
"He sees it as disrespect." Sesshoumaru answered.
"But why-" Sango began, but Sesshoumaru cut her off as if she was nonexistent.
"We will explain everything in another room. Follow me." He turned and
strode off down the hall. Inuyasha followed, his walk almost princely.
After a hesitant glance, the others followed as well. Kirara, sensing no
danger as of yet, changed into her smaller form and elected to ride on
Sango's shoulder.
------------------------
'They have arrived.'
'Oh? I told you before, I can't see that far yet.'
'Dear, don't be snippish.'
'I apologize. When will you test them?'
'Later. I wait only for Shirokin.'
'Why?'
'It would not be good for him to arrive while the others are testing.
He will interfere.'
'So he won't be tested?'
'No. Neither will the elder. I will seal them in a soul chamber until
the test is complete.'
'Mm. Why?'
'You ask too many questions, but it is because they have proven themselves
worthy to rule their lands. The others are new... and weaker.'
'Because they are hanyou and human?'
'Aa.'
'May I ask you one more question?'
'You already have, and the answer is no. Rest now, dear.'
'I refuse. I want to know-'
'Silence. Rest.'
As the other marched from the room, clearly in a temper, the older one
turned and sat in the sill of her window. Her room was the highest in the
castle, and she could see a large portion of her lands without her scrying
powers. Scrying allowed her to watch brief flashes of what went on in places
of her choice, but she couldn't control the duration of the visions; it
was the the only downside to the ability. The smaller one couldn't extend
her range past the extent of the boundaries.
Sighing, she turned her head toward the door, her short pale lavender
hair gently brushing her shoulders. Her normally dark purple eyes turned
a smoky color, and she began to scry. What she saw brought a frown to her
face and she stood, evoking the link between herself and her lighter side.
'I said sleep. You are not doing so.'
'Leave me be. I wish to think.'
'Obey me. Or do you wish to be re-absorbed?'
'Why would I wish to be a part of you?'
'Your mouth tires me. Sleep.'
There was no reponse from the other, but she knew that she was obeying.
Allowing her eyes to return to normal, she settled herself into the sill
once more. The other had been pushed out of her own body, formed from all
of the gentleness and care that she despised so much. It had been referred
to as her inner child, but in reality, the other was just as mature as
the original. It was only her child-like appearance and the small ponytail
that she wore in her own short lavender hair that made this plausible.
Without the other within her, the original was free to do things without
remorse. Free to devise schemes that would have seemed inhuman before.
But she, herself, was inhuman.
Suikai could never be mistaken for a human. Never.
-----------------------------
Aamalie: *stoops and picks a note up off of the ground* Hey, it's from
Corisu! She says, "It's so kawaii to imagine Inu-chan being regal, ne?
And you finally know who the voices are now! Isn't it just MAGICAL?"
*Glitter rains from the ceiling.*
Aamalie: *sweatdrops* Erm...ignore that. Sort of an inside joke... Hey,
we're here! *dashes up to a large black building that is clearly labeled
'Chibi Lair of DOOM!'*
Miroku: Oh, joy...
Sesshoumaru: We CAN kill them, right?
Aamalie: Iie...we're CATCHING them, remember?
Sesshoumaru: Damn. *sheathes Tokijin and sulks*
Aamalie: *blinks* Riiight. Ok, let's see what we're dealing with! *kicks
the door open* Oh....my.....
*Kunoichi is tied to a table, her arms and legs bound. Numerous Chihuahuas
are licking her face. Corisu Li is being ravenously tickled by Chibi Kagome
and Chibi Sango. Kagome's being tickled by Chibi Kouga and Chibi Miroku.
Inuyasha is also bound to a table (his legs rather tightly bound) and is
getting the Feather Torture of DOOM by Chibi Kikyou. Sango is lashed to
a chair, recieving said torture from Chibi Sessi. EVERYONE is laughing
hysterically.*
Sessi: O.O The horror...
Miroku: 0.o Is a spine SUPPOSED to bend that way?
Aamalie: I don't think so, Houshi-sama... But we have to get the Chibis
before it's too late and they're laughing forever!
Corisu Li: S...stop...bwahahahahaha!....explahahaha...explaining and
hehahaha...help us!
Aamalie: Hmm...what to do, what to do... *snaps fingers* I KNOW! *ground
erupts in front of her* Eheheh...oops... misuse of authoress powers...
Sessi: What are you getting at?
Miroku: Yes, what is this master plan?
Aamalie: ^_____^ *snaps fingers and a huge cage appears* Hmmm...and
now.... *snaps again and the cage fills with candy, candy, and more candy*
Sessi: THIS is your brilliant scheme?
Miroku: This may work... watch...
*All chibis suddenly halt. Their heads turn toward the cage. Laugher
dies down and everyone waits in tense silence. Then: *
All Chibis: CANDYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! *run over and pile into the cage,
stuffing their faces*
Aamalie: *grins and snaps. The cage disappears. The chibis and their
candy mound reappear in Chibi World* Heh! I rule! *victory sign*
Kunoichi: O.O How come I never thought of that?
Aamalie: Just stupid, I guess...
Kunoichi: *glares sparks*
Aamalie: *smirks and releases everyone with a snap*
Corisu Li and Kunoichi: *remove the tape from their noses*
Corisu Li: *sourly* They even kept us from using our authoress powers...rotten
little brats...
Kagome: They were kinda cute, though...
Corisu Li: *dry look* Do YOU wanna go to Chibi World?
Kagome: *sweatdrops and starts waving arms in front of her, shaking
head* No, no, definitely not!
Corisu Li: *glares at the rest of the Inu-tachi* Any of you want a one-way
trip to Little Land?
Everyone else: NO!
Corisu Li: Fine. Now let's blow this pop stand. I have review replies
to write... since you guys review with sooo much stuff that needs answering...
Aamalie: Why don't you just reply to the ones that need answers, then?
Corisu Li: o.o You knowww...I never even thought of that...
Aamalie: *facefault, then recovers* Review people. As you can see, she
writes faster when you do...
Kunoichi: Yup! We got 6 reviews in a reeeeeally little amount of time,
but after that, they kinda tapered off. We want to hear from you!
Corisu Li: Mmhmm! The secret to faster chapters lies in the lower left
hand corner of this page... try it out! REVIEW!
************************** QUICK NOTE: Aamalie is my BETA! Nuff said!
If you guys ask me again, I WILL NOT ANSWER! That is all.
Aamalie: Eheheheh...poor Houshi-sama. You would've said YES? Ooh, I
don't think Sessi would have been happy at all. Man, those were some great
guesses, but, as you can see, they were kinda off. YAY, fooled you! *victory
sign* But the telepathy thing was on point! *thumbs up*
Wolfite: *blushes* Thanks! And Chibis are just tiny versions of the
original characters. They exist mainly to be cute and risk people's lives
in fits of hyper-induced craziness. And don't think you ask too many questions;
I love answering them!
flameflyingfeline: Dude, I'm going to answer both of yours here. Ok,
ok, you win. Aamalie-chan and I will teach you and Inu to cook...maybe
Sessi- chan, too... *drool* But I'm not sure when; there's already another
crazy idea rocketing around in my head. Mistress of the Disclaimers? Aww,
arigatou! *bows*
Jennifer: Thanks a lot, you make me feel so good about the chapters.
And yes.. *solemn look* Pocky and ramen should really be marketed as a
medicine...
Kitsune Bi 123: By 'alter ego', I meant that you were writing under
more than one name; that's all. A lot of people were... *sigh* I know the
end was confusing... *pokes you* That was the point. And by 'making a third'
I assume you mean another fic. Weeeeellll...I'm currently in the last part
of the first chapter of a new fic that I'm writing, but I don't really
know if I'll post it. I have to think about it.
Vampire-Elf: Yeeeesss...naked Inu + sarcastic Sage = fangirl drool all
over the floor. Actually, naked Inu = fangirl drool, but that's another
story. Ack, such good guesses! You were the second to guess Yuya! Grr,
maybe it should have BEEN her, then. *thinks hard, then shakes head* Noperz!
Mercurial1: Eh. The link is still there; it always is. At the moment,
though, they were too far apart for it to work. They could still recieve
echoes, but no real thoughts. Don't worry, though, he'll see it soon enough,
and- ACK, wait! I don't want to spoil it!
Heather: *backs away, sweatdropping* Erm, ah, yeeeah. Thanks? It was
really no big deal... I needed someone to invoke the wrath of the digihammer
and you just popped into my head. About the next story, see Kitsune Bi
123's reply. Hooray for the Cliffies of DOOM!!!!
Mirsan4eva: Thanks! ^___________^ Yup. Pregnancy and Chibis. True nirvana.
Vamps: Hey there! Cool name, by the way! Oi, they sounded like your
teachers? Do you, by any chance, go to school with a guy named Yusuke and
a girl named Keiko? Ack! Yu-Yu Hakusho moment, ignore me, please! You're
very very welcome! I love writing just for people like you! ^___^
##: By that, I meant that all will be explained in the chapter up THERE...
which actually means that it was explained already... which makes this
kind or redundant... *quickly shuts up*
THE BUTTON IS SOMEWHERE DOWN THERE. CLICK IT AND YOU WIN A FREE REVIEW
RESPONSE!
Two
Months to Live by Corisu Li
This is a sequel to One Month of Romance. It is complete in 27 chapters.
It has a few plot twists that will shock you.
Book
collections on CD and DVD. A library for the price of a book.