Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A/N: Okay my Beta is busy with school right now, and I don't want to get a temporary Beta. So all my stories from here on till stated otherwise will be as best as I can possibly make them. Please enjoy.

Disclosure: I DONOT own Fairy Tail or Inu Yasha. They belong to their respective Creators, though I am working on a Time travel device.

"Let me tell you a story little ones. A story of adventure, despair, hope and eventually love." An aged woman said with a twinkle in the depths of her faded yet warm brown eyes. Smiling as the room full of children suddenly became quiet, as their expectant gazes focused on her. Bringing a warm smile to her face.

"Good, Good. Now listen closely to what I tell you, and decide for yourselves what to make of it." She said before settling herself into the large, overstuffed chair. "This story takes place in a different world, where the magic of all types exists. People of every walk of life used it daily, just like the air they breathed. For magic helped them thrive and live for the most part happy lives. And where like-minded people grouped together under ideas, called guilds. And it is at once such guild that our story starts for our heroine."

The day had been like any other day in the city of Magnolia. At least as far as Lucy was concerned. The same routine of wake up, get ready for the day; head to the guild, watch her male teammates bicker before Erza broke them up. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary.

All in all, it was a good feeling, though Lucy wished that something would be different. So with a resigned sigh, She turned away from the main guild hall. Leaving the image of Erza lecturing Gray and Natsu for fighting again. Putting the guilds barmaid, MiraJane in her eyesight. A small smile on her lips as she just stared off into nothingness.

"Whats up Lucy? That a sigh of discontentment if I've ever heard on." MiraJane said as she finished drying a beer mug and setting it on the shelf behind her.

Widening the smile on her lips, Lucy let out a half-hearted laugh. "Not so much discontentment as wishing something different would happen, Mira."

Silence followed her words as MiraJane just seemed to stare contemplatively. Making Lucy wonder if she had something odd. "Be careful of how you say something like that. Because the result might not be as pleasant as you want."

Those words softly whispered, leaving a sinking feeling in Lucy's stomach. Her gaze shifting quickly away from her friend. Knowing that when MiraJane said something softly and seriously, there just wasn't truth behind it. But also the weight of something serious. Pulling a tentative smile as she spun away firm the bar to look out over the guilds main room in hopes to get rid of that sinking feeling.

Already her mind was jumping from thought to thought of the possible consequences. Both simple and complex, making Lucy really dislike her overactive mind at that moment.

While her mind flitted from idea to idea, leaving her preoccupied. She didn't notice Erza and the boys had come to stand in front of her. Until Erza spoke, "Lucy is something on your mind?"

Blinking her now wide brown eyes, Lucy put her best smile on her face. "No, Not really. Is there something you three need? Like a Mission?" she asked.

Watching them as she spoke, noticing that their faces said they didn't quite believe her. Making Lucy feel a bit awkward, causing her to shift nervously on the stool. Her hands plucking lightly at the hem of her shirt, while she waited for them to say something.

"No, we don't have a mission in mind. But we are going to the Bazaar in the town square. And wanted you to join us." Erza said, her voice soft and measured, while her brown eyes searched Lucy's face before letting it go.

Tilting her head, Lucy felt confused for a second or two, before letting out a delighted squeal. Jumping up from the stool. She took a step forwards and linked her arm through Erza's. Beaming a large smile up at the redhead, who looked a bit shocked at her actions.

"Most definitely. Now let's go looking and possibly shopping your guys." She said, her voice coming out bright with her sudden eagerness to go to the bazaar.

The walk to the bazaar was filled with Idle talk. Marking Lucy relax and enjoy herself even more. As she joked and teased everyone in turn. Though the moment they stepped into the main town square, Lucy as well the others became silent. Each taking in all the sights, sounds and smells.

After a few minutes, it was Erza that broke the silence, "So let's get looking. IT seems we have a lot of different vendors this time."

Lucy detected the almost child-like excitement in her voice. Before they set off to wander the impromptu walkways between the blankets and stalls. Enjoying the random, eclectic items being sold. And of course the various food for sale, that seemed to come from every corner of Fiore.

As they made their way through it all, Lucy enjoyed the many hours spent with her teammates. As the sun finally started to dwindle low on the horizon. The other people started to head home, as the vendors began to pack up their wares for the night. With a small sigh, Lucy spun around so she was walking backward, looking at her friends. All of whom looked tired and ready to call it a day. Especially Gray and Natsu, since they were laden down with not only their purchases but Erza's as well.

Giving a soft shake of her head before speaking, "That was fun you guys. Thank you so much for inviting me. Let's do it again before the Bazaar closes, OK?"

Her words were met with groans from the boys, while Erza spoke up happily, "That would be a great idea, Lucy. It allows us to bond more, right Natsu and Gray?" She turned to look at them as she asked her question.

Both of them stood straighter and spoke in unison, "Aye, Erza!"

With a smile at their reaction, Lucy saw something small move in her peripheral vision. Turning her head to see what it was, only to feel as if her mind was playing tricks on her eyes. Because there was no way she just saw a little creature with shiny, iridescent wings flying around. Making her feel curious if it was some new type of magical toy. Lucy began to follow it away from her team as they continued to talk, or rather Erza continued to talk to the boys.

Her feet moving as if they had a mind of their own. As she passed several closed stalls, till she reached the far edge of the bazaar. Where the small thing vanished down an alley. Starting to wonder if this was some elaborate joke. Lucy continued to follow until the alley opened up to the outskirts of the Magnolia. Where a small wooden building sat, with a faint light of lanterns came through the window. Telling her that there was still someone in the shop and it wasn't closed.

A wave of uncertainty washed through her as her feet moved her towards the door of the building. As she drew nearer, she saw a faded placard, the almost the same color of the building hanging above the door. It read, 'Welcome to all things needed'. Causing Lucy to blink her eyes at the name of it, as she realized it was a shop of sorts. Now curious to what kind of stuff a shop with a name like that would be selling. She lifted her hand to the doorknob without hesitation and opened the door.

As it opened it made no sound as it showed a dimly lit interior. Letting her eyes dart around seeing shelves, bins, racks and display cases filled with all manner of things. Ranging from toys to clothes to books to jewelry and weaponry. Feeling a mix of awe and being overwhelmed, Lucy stepped further in noting at a glace the place was emasculate. Not a spec of dust was to be seen. That while it looked as if everything was just placed anywhere. It soon became apparent to a trained eye for detail, that each section was themed. The last thing was while the interior seemed to be dimly lit, it wasn't the case. It was just done up in dark browns, greens with black accents.

As she was preoccupied with looking around, Lucy hadn't noticed there was another person present until they spoke. Causing Lucy to jump and feel very embarrassed. Turning her head to look at who was speaking, only to see a short aged woman with crystalline blue eyes staring back at her. Making Lucy jump a bit and blink at how blue and intense the eyes seemed to be.

"Uh, sorry I didn't quite hear you, ma'am," Lucy said, flushing darkly at her lack of manners.

Only to receive a chuckle that caused laugh lines at the corners of the woman's eyes, showing her amusement. Making Lucy feel a bit more at ease. As she realized that there was something about the woman made her feel welcomed and at home there.

"No Problem child. Now I wonder what brought you to my shop this evening." The old woman said, her voice very soft and sweet sounding. Leaving Lucy with a sense of comfort.

A little taken back at the woman's voice, Lucy paused. Then carefully picking her words before she spoke once more, "Would you believe me if I told you, I followed a mythical creature? Then felt drawn to enter once I saw the shop.!?"

At her words, the old woman laughed as if crystals were clinking together. It reminded Lucy of the wind chimes her mother loved. "I've heard many strange reasons, my child." Was the only reply she got.

Letting out a breath she wasn't aware she has been holding, Lucy smiled warmly at the woman. "As for the need to enter, then that means that there is something in my shop you need." the woman said as she waved her arms at the shop in open invitation for Lucy to explore. "You'll know it when you see it. Then we can discuss the price for it child. Now go and look and enjoy yourself. I'll be at the front counter when you're ready."

Watching as the old lady turned and left after finish speaking, go to the front counter. Not needing another invite, Lucy immediately turned towards where there were books and tomes stacked and shelved. Her mind seems to be stuck on something the old woman had said.

But she shoved it to the back of her mind to pursue what was in front of her. Her eyes already scanning titles spines and covers of the books. A few she had read already, a few more were of ones she heard of and wanted to read. While quite a few of them were new ones, but pretty sure that they were also hard to find. And for some odd reason, that she just couldn't place, Lucy had no real interest in reading or even buying one.

With a small sigh, she turned away, feeling odd that she didn't want a new book. She began to walk up and down the isles, past shelves, crates and display cases. Nothing really jumping out at her. Leaving her feeling sad as she made her way to the front counter and old lady, a frown on her lips.

"I am sorry, I didn't find anythi..." Lucy started to say, only to trail off as a faint shimmer of pink in the case caught her eyes.

Shifting her focus to the case, Lucy bent over it to get a better view. Only to see a small pink marble like sitting on a pillow. It was breath takeningly beautiful, as it seemingly glowed in the dimness of the shop. Looking for the little pink marble back to the store's owner, Lucy just barely caught a glimpse of surprise in her blue eyes.

Before she could say anything, the woman spoke in a soft whisper, "Child may I know your name?"

Lucy blinked a few times, before replying, "My name is Lucy, Lucy Heartfilia."

Only to feel curious as the woman's eyes widen, before looking a bit sad at hearing her name. "I see then, this is most definitely for our." she said bending over and taking out the little white silk pillow with the pink marble on it.

Once it was set on top of the display case, Lucy's' attention was once more focused on it as the old woman spoke again, "This little thing is the 'Shikon no Tama' and has quite the history behind it. There is no price to ask of you, Lucy, since it chooses you. Fate has spoken."

At her words, there was a ringing in the air as if something had been changed or set in stone. Lucy's head snapped up, her brown eyes wide and boring into the old woman's. Feeling very uncertain as her mind rapidly processed all she had just heard. While trying to decipher the strange words in a foreign language. All the while her body was taking mini steps away from the display case.

"What do you mean, fate has spoken. What does Shikon no Tama even mean," she said, her panic showing in her voice.

Taking a deep breath, the old woman looked at Lucy, with a slightly pained expression. "Trust me, I know how you feel right now. Everyone believes that they are in control of their own destinies. But for a select few it is a harsh truth that they are not."

Feeling more panicked by the second, Lucy came to an abrupt halt at the woman's words and how they matched her facial expressions. Swallowing as she just watcher her, those crystalline blue eyes darkening, as her mind replayed memories of her past. Understanding exactly what was happening before her, Lucy felt her body calm down slowly. It was her understanding and the reasons she wrote he letters to her deceased parents. A coping mechanism.

After a few minutes have gone by, the old woman seemed to come back to herself. A faint blush crossing the bridge of her nose and cheeks. "Sorry I did not mean to space out like that. But all I ask of you Lucy is to not fight this. The Shikon no Tama is a living jewel. It is literally the four aspects that compromise the human soul. And when it chooses its guardian, there is no escape."

As the old lady spoke, Lucy saw tears form in her eyes. Tears that seemed to refuse to fall and only made those eyes shimmer brighter. On instinct, Lucy's legs moved her back to the display case. As she placed her hands over the old woman's to comfort her.

With a timid, yet calming and gentle smile Lucy spoke in hushed tones, "Please smile and don't be sad. My whole life seems to be out of my control so I understand completely what you've just said to me. Thought the concept of a living jewel is strange, why not. There is always new magic or forgotten magic that are out there."

The old woman just looked at Lucy before letting a smile ghost across her fact. With a small nod, she pulled her hands from Lucy's. Then busied herself with the jewel. Picking it up, revealing a thin, black braided string with small shards of crystal, evenly spaced intervals that looked like little fangs.

Carefully watching the old woman's movements, while feeling happy she had smiled again. Once the jewel was handing like a pendulum from the string, Lucy couldn't help but feel pulled towards it. Then as if time slowed down, and she was a third party spectator, she bent down, letting the old woman slip it overhead. Til the black string rested around her neck, nestling the jewel upon her breast, once she was standing erect again. The jewel seemed to have always belonged there on her.

Staring down at t jewel, Lucy saw it glow or rather radiate a light from within it. Causing its surface to shift and appear as if clouds were moving across its surface like they did in the sky.

Lost I the beauty of the jewel, Lucy started when the old woman touched her. "Be very careful Lucy! I wasn't lying when I said it was alive. It's very sentient, as well as a powerful artifact. Even the gods have a fear of it. The Shikon no Tama can grant one wish. If it is a selfish wish, everything you know and love will become corrupted and evil. But a pure, unselfish wish will do the opposite For its power and your own are one. So it will affect anything you do, based on your reasons." The voice was gentle, but hard as steel, making her point easily to Lucy.

Giving a small nod of her head in understanding, Lucy looked at the old woman and smiled. Before turning to leave. She felt as if she were in a daze as she walked out of the shop. Feeling very uncertain about everything that just transpired.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The meal had been taken in blissful silence. Though one couldn't tell from the scene in the small hut right now. Lucy closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Realizing that she didn't need to be with her teammates for things to degenerate quickly. A simple comment by the strange little body named Shippo had elicited a rather blunt statement from the tall, silver-haired man, that the girl Rin had called Lord Sesshomaru. Which in return now had Loke up and ready to fight, of course, for her honor.

Narrowing her eyes, Lucy spoke, "Loke, calm down."

When she got no response other than a small, quick shake of her head, Lucy couldn't help it. Her emotions began to bubble over. Everything coming to crash and bury her in that instant. From shopping with her teammates to finding the shop and acquiring the small pink jewel that brought her through a well to another world. Yeah, she was not in the best of states of mind. And the slight pulsing from her keys in worry of what their leader, on top of her own feelings.

"LEO! You will stand down and return to the celestial realm this instant. Or I will FORCE you BACK," She said, her voice cracking like the whip at her side.

Unaware of what she looked like as she watched her spirit, friend and family member stiffen and turn to look at her. Even with his sunglasses on, Lucy could tell he was in shock. Not just at what she said, but the tone of voice she used. The small frown on his face let her know he was not happy, but in the next second, a small poof was heard as the room filled with sparkling orange smoke.

Waiting until it cleared, Lucy placed her hands before her and bowed. Already having figured out that this culture was similar to one of her fathers old business partners. Women were of a subservient stature. The dress was more conservative. And those with a social standing expected to be given respect instantly due to the traditions.  So, leaning forward, placing her forehead in her hands she apologized.

"I am sorry for my spirits reaction. They are very loyal to me and extremely protective," She said softly, not lifting her head as she waited to be told to raise.

It was a soft 'Hn' that made her lift her head, making sure that it was the response she was waiting for. When her brown eyes made contact with expressionless gold-amber eyes, she righted herself. Keeping her back completely straight as she let her own mask fall over her face. Not giving anything to him or the others in the room. There was no mistaking the looks that everyone else was giving each other and her, as they watched the way she interacted with the silver-haired man.

"Rin is confused... Miss Kagome wore clothes like Miss Lucy's... So, why did she get called... a..." Rin spoke up, her voice quiet and showing the depth of her confusion.

Feeling her own eyebrows jumping up on her forehead, Lucy tilted her head just an enough to silently ask to be the one to explain. When she got a slow blink, Lucy turned to look at Rin, who was sitting close to Shippo. The latter was holding her small hand in his own as his large leaf green eyes watched her warily.

"Rin, sweetie, I believe I saw this... Miss Kagome when I came through the well. While we are wearing something similar in clothes. My clothes are a lot shorter and tighter fitting. And apparently in this culture... that means that I am a woman who is loose with her... favors." Lucy explained, feeling heat rush to her cheeks. It was a rather awkward trying to explain clothing, life choices of whores to a child.

After a brief pause seeing a slight understanding in both kids eyes, Lucy continued, "BUT let me make this very clear. I am not such a lady. My culture in my world... is vastly different. And there are women who walk around in a lot less than me. Also, I am untouched. Which is why my spirit reacted the way he did to your... Lord's ... words. They are at times way overprotective of me and my person."

At her words, she felt the shift in the atmosphere in the small space. She didn't have to look to tell that everyone was taken back by her omission.

"Miss Lucy, you are saying that you dress like that and are...pure?" came the casual response from Miroku. Yet that response made her skin crawl as she picked up on the undertone of perverseness to it.

"FEH, as if the wench is untouched," came the rude reply from the one called InuYasha.

She let her face remained blank as she tilted her head just enough to look at the two males, who had a rather angry looking Sango between them.

"InuYasha has your senses dulled to the point you cannot even smell whether she speaks the truth or not... Let alone it is clear that she is as she says a virgin," came the succinct, deep tember of Sesshomaru.

Again she felt heat rush to her cheeks as she looked back at the man.  Letting a frown grace her lips to tell him that she didn't appreciate how he just spoke. Only to get him to stare impassively back, obviously not caring at all.

A cough broke the tension that was once more building. Drawing everyone's attention to the only other person in the room. The old lady named Kaede.

"Child, ye are like Kagome, a traveler. While she came from another time, five hundred years in our future, you are from another world. And apparently ye have a similar culture in your own world to ours from the way you speak, react and defer. Would I be wrong in assuming that you are a noble's daughter?" her aged voice carried in the silence.

A small twinge ran through Lucy at being labeled for what she used to be. But still, she let out a slow breath and gave a small single nod of her head to tell Kaede that she was correct.

"Then is that how Nobles in your world dress?" was Kaede's next question.

Sucking her bottom lip in and chewing on it, Lucy closed her eyes to center herself. Feeling all present's eyes on her person. "No. I am no longer affiliated with my family. In fact... my family only consist of me now," she said, unable to keep the pain and sadness from her voice.

When Lucy opened her eyes she saw the understanding in most of their gazes, though one had pity mixed with contempt in theirs. Choosing to ignore that person as they had yet to leave a good impression, Lucy let her eyes find Kaede's as stay there.

"I understand that my state of dress is unacceptable. May I inquire as to borrowing some suitable clothes temporarily? And as the evening as gone and night is here, where may I bathe myself? Cold water is fine," Lucy asked, making sure to be polite and respectful to the elderly lady.

The way her single brown eye widened at her, Lucy wondered if the woman was not used to having this level of respect shown her. A small nod, Kaede looked to Sango and asked her to fetch a clean Kimono and to take her to a hot spring. Inside a knot in the pit of her stomach loosened. Allowing Lucy to relax just that bit more as she slowly stood up. Feeling her muscles protest from how she had been sitting for the better part of what she deemed to be two hours. Telling her she was out of practice.

"This way Lucy,"  Sango said as she reappeared from the other room of the hut with a small dark blue bundle of cloth.

Smiling at Sango, Lucy started to follow when she heard Rin speak up, asking if she too could bathe. Again the only thing said in the silence was a soft 'Hn', before Rin gave a small squeal of delight. Turning Lucy looked at the girl and held out her hand on pure instinct. Once Rin had latched onto it, chattering away, Lucy looked back at Sango who continued on out of the hut.

It was not a long walk from the villages to a small outcropping of rocks that revealed a small stream that led to a quaint hot spring off to the side. The strong mineral smell had Lucy smiling at the thought of how good it would be for her skin. Letting go of Rin's hand, Lucy walked to its edge and sat down and started to remove her boots.

Peeking up through her bangs she saw that Rin was divesting her clothes with speed that only a child could, while Sango was doing it at a more sedate pace. Though Lucy noted that Sango was watching her out of the corner of her eye.

"If you have questions Sango, please feel free to ask them. I will do my best to answer them," Lucy said, not bothering to hide her amusement.

The small widening of the girl's eyes, as well as the faint blush on her cheeks, told Lucy everything she needed to know. Once she finished removing the last of her clothes, Lucy stepped forward only to pause for a brief second and scan the area. Her senses were picking up the faint traces that seemed magical, yet were not. Deciding to ignore it, she slipped into the hot water with a hiss of delight. Soon a splash had her squeaking as Rin dove into the water.

"Rin, you know you're not supposed to do that," came Sango's soft admonishment, though it was obvious that she didn't care.

"Rin's sorry Miss Sango, but she couldn't help it," was the simple, innocent reply before the girl burst out giggling.

Shaking her head Lucy leaned back and looked up at the sky, taking note of the stars. The constellations were placed the same, but the other stars were different. It made her furrow her brow a bit as she tried to orientate herself. Eventually, she was able to place things to her liking.

"What are you doing Miss Lucy?" Rin asked her.

Looking away Lucy looked at the other two, both who were staring at her curiously.  Smiling as she spoke, "I am looking at the constellations in the sky. They are the same, but they are placed a bit differently here. And there are many other stars I am not familiar with."

She heard it herself in her own voice, so she didn't have to see the looks the two gave her. The wistfulness and sadness. Letting her eyes go back up, Lucy pointed out the constellation for Canis Minor first then the others. Giving a small synapse of the story behind each. Unsure if they had the same legends or any at all here. It helped ease her a lot as the water let her body continue to slowly relax.

"You are very knowledgeable about the stars. Kagome... she once explained a bit about how people navigate by them at night. She gave... a few explanations on the constellations, but nothing like that. I can tell you are passionate about the stars," Sango said, her voice soft.

Lucy knew right then and there that Sango was very close to Kagome. It made her feel guilty for being there, even if she didn't have a choice in the matter. Even though she didn't have all the facts  Lucy was pretty sure that this group of people and this girl, Kagome, were very close. Just like herself and her teammates, through a bunch of trials and tribulations.

"My...Mother Layla taught me about the stars, Sango. My spirits are those that inhabit the constellations above us in my world. I do not see them as tools or extensions of myself. But rather, Loke and earlier Virgo, are my friends and family. I would never let them just fight for me while I stay safe. No, I trained to fight beside them, breaking the normal rules for my type of magic," Lucy said, smiling fondly at all the memories she had in and out of battle with her spirits.

"You love them, Miss Lucy!" Rin said, her words cutting through her thoughts making her look at the little girl, who was giving a toothy grin.

"Yes. Yes, I do. Would you like to meet one of my favorites?" she asked both of them.

The way they looked at her had Lucy laughing. Reaching behind her for her belt, there was a small poof before she even touched her keys. Shocking her as she turned to see Plue standing there looking at her.  

"Oh... how did you..." She said in surprise as he wobbled towards her speaking to her. "Oh... that... is... okay, okay."

Picking him up she brought him around to sit on her chest as she pets his head. The slight tilts to Sango and Rin's head let her know they were at a loss and unsure of what to make of Plue.

"This is the spirit for the Constellation of Canis Minor. I named him Plue, he is a dog... though he doesn't look like it. And yes, I can understand him," she said by way of explanation. "He just told me that another of my spirits Crux is looking into everything."

The small, twin nod she got from the two was almost exasperating in its own way. But Lucy was used to it since her magic was very rare even in her own world.

Careful as she sat up, Lucy motioned for both Sango and Rin to come closer as she held out Plue. "You can pet him. He doesn't bite. He does have a bit of a sweet tooth though," she said in an attempt to make things less awkward.

When first Rin then Sango came closer and touched him. She saw the instant reaction on Rin's face as it lit up and she cooed. Sango was a bit more reserved but soon warmed up. Drawing a small Mew from off to the side, where a small cream and black marked cat with two tails and ruby colored eyes stared at Sango.

"That is Kilala, she is my friend. She is a demon like Shippo and Lord Sesshomaru," Sango explained as she waded over to the small cat and petted her.

Sighing Lucy turned and placed Plue on the edge of the hot spring and watched as he made his way to the small demon cat. Who hissed briefly, making him stop and tilt his head. It was comical as he 'punished' at her, before bending and pick a small blade of grass and offering to Kilala. Who leaned in and sniffed it and then him before laying down and curling her tails over her nose. Watching him carefully.

"AWW! Kilala is making a new friend," Rin said, causing not just Lucy to laugh, but Sango as well.

In short order, they all finished bathing and got out and dressed. But only after Virgo popped into existence with towels to dry off. Claiming that it would not do for Lucy to get sick being damp and walking in chill air. Nor her friends. Making Lucy roll her eyes and smile at her spirit. On the way back, Sango asked many questions about her spirits, her world. To which Lucy said she would tell her story tomorrow after resting. That way she didn't have to repeat herself, all while holding a mostly asleep Rin on her hip.

Chapter Text

Lucy smiled as she gave a small nod of her head. The night had flown by. The natural hot springs had been fabulous, her skin was smooth and glowing still from it. And Virgo had supplied a nice simple and plain yukata for her wear since her normal clothes were not appropriate at all. Changing them was a simple concession and she could always wear her shorts underneath for those 'just in case' moments.

The slight warmth of early morning sunlight danced across her face as she slipped into the meditative state Capricorn required of her. Images of returning back to the small hut causing her heart to swell at how Rin had watched her fascinated as she braided her own hair. Before Lucy had asked for permission to do the same to the girls. Which led to said girl curling up and sleeping with her on the tatami mat that had been given. So cute looking, Lucy had hated to extract herself, but training came first.  

With a deep breath as Capricorn droned on about posture and clearing her mind, Lucy let the world slip away from her. Focusing on the containers inside of her. Noting that they were filled to the brim. And that the magic no longer look white with gold laced in, now there was a soft pink hue. It even felt different to her, making her wonder just exactly the 'Shikon no tama' was doing to her magic supply. With great care Lucy pulled just small, minute amounts out of the two containers, forming them into small balls that she imagined were floating around her body.

A routine practice to help control the magic. Once she felt a gentle nudge from her spirit, Lucy began to expand each of the orbs. Feeling the flow the magic as it was being pulled from her body was different. It was as if it had a mind of its own, as the amount increased on its own. Leaving her to feel as if she was a small petal riding the torrent rapids of a river. Gasping as she tried to reign it in, Lucy felt not just Capricorn at the edges of her sense, but  Leo, Virgo, Taurus and all the other keys she had.

In the next instant, she heard herself screaming mentally as pain rippled through her body. Then the world around her was silent, awash in black, gold, white, pink and oddly green. Sluggishly she forced her eyes to open. Blinking Lucy saw the tops of the trees as the sunlight filtered through it. Struggling to sit up, Lucy felt as if there was a vice around her waist, a vice that got tighter the more she tried to move.

"You will cease movement woman," a deep, cold voice literally growled at her.

The shivers that ran down her body as it complied as if it was being willed, had Lucy moving her head only to get a good view of amber colored eyes as they glared down at her. Only to realize a second later that there behind those amber eyes, was a dome of light that was encompassing her, with her spirits on the others side looking worriedly in at her, along with the people she'd met the night before her. Causing panic to well up in her chest as she opened her mouth to speak.

"I said do not move," again that voice sent shivers through her body. "What were you doing that produced this amount of power?"

The question was softly asked. It had been so quiet that she almost didn't hear it. Shifting her gaze back to those amber eyes, Lucy felt her face heat. Realizing that she was exceptionally close to the speaker, stealing her voice away as she slammed her eyes shut. Trying to block out the image of their owner and the fact he was holding her. More so after being told that he didn't tolerate humans, except for Rin, near his person.

"You will answer me now, Woman," the voice snapped.  

Frowning, Lucy took a deep breath in through her nose and let it hiss out between her lips as she gritted her teeth. "I have a name. If you want an answer, you will use it," she said back, doing her best to make her voice as polite as possible.

The pressure on her body gradually tightened making her cringe, as she opened her eyes and stared defiantly into the Amber eyes. Letting her annoyance and anger show clearly. The man... or rather male... was arrogant and pretentious. And if he thought she would bend over backward as a subservient female he had another thing coming all together.

A hiss of pain was heard as the barrier that was around them flashed as if in response to her. Narrowing her eyes, Lucy pursed her lips as those amber eyes took on a faint red tint. Letting her head fall back a bit she saw a face that was not a perfect school mask of indifference, no there was anger and something else flicking across the perfect porcelain skin as they fought to remain calm.

"I can say the same about you, woman," came the voice breaking through her thoughts once more. The red flashing dangerously at the edges of the amber pupils. "But I will get my answers. Drop this barrier and tell me what you were doing."  

Unable to stop herself, Lucy growled low in her throat. Making those Amber eyes widen just slightly before they narrowed further. Not sure why that face was contorting into a slow smile until a voice broke the tension between them.

"Uh.... Miss... Lucy.... Rin wants to know if you... uh. can lower that glowing bubble you are making."

Blinking and gasping, Lucy turned her head as the fact that they were surrounded by others. Once more her cheeks heated up as she lifted her hands up and pushed at the male holding her. Lips forming a thin line that had her hearing Virgo chuckling as Leo and Capricorn groan.

"I am not making that thing, so I have no clue, Rin, how to lower it," she stated in a calm, collected and detached voice as she lifted on her hand up, curling it into a fist as she once more turned to meet that Amber gaze. "And I would be most appreciative of being let go. This is highly indecent for a man, let alone of the title 'Lord' to be holding me so close to their person. Especially if they have no intentions of wooing me."

The last words were bitten out with a sharp click of her teeth. Soon enough the vice-like grip vanished from her person. Allowing Lucy to take a deep breath she was not aware she needed. Relaxing her hand so it was no longer a fist, she shifted her person away. Only to feel her body brush up against that barrier of light. Furrowing her brow as a slight rumble came from the other person inside with her. Obviously, it was amusing to them that she was not amused at how close they were. Though she was pretty sure that were not amused at being sequestered so close to her.

"That is why I asked what you were doing wom.."

At those words she whipped her head around to look back at them, tilting her head up just a little bit. Cutting the sentence off before they could finish. A low growl coming from her again, this time louder as she let her eyes tell him that she would retaliate.

"I can answer that. I was having Miss Lucy meditate. To help train her magic for better control," came the smooth voice of Capricorn.

"Thank you, Capricorn," she replied without even thinking about it, her eyes never leaving that Amber gaze. Locked in a battle wills.

"Feh! You cannot be serious, you were just meditating and produced this amount of power? Do you have any fucking idea wench that you were putting yourself and everyone else in the village in danger? What are you stupid?" came Inuyasha's brash and smug voice.

She could feel the visible tic under one eye at his word. Calling her wench, then compounding it by asking if she was stupid. But it was the wave of guilt and shock that she had endangered others. Unbidden the familiar burning of tears welling along the edges of her eyes as it kept sinking in further and further. She would never try to endanger anyone.

"Hime?" "Lucy?" "Princess?" came the voices, muffled by the barrier, of her spirits. Making her shake her head, wishing the barrier was no longer there.

The need to be alone was strong at that instant. So when a collective gasp from all gathered was heard, Lucy felt her body being shifted until she was standing upright. Opening her teary eyes, she looked around her. The barrier was gone, but behind was nothing but the little or rather large sized, floating orbs of her magic. With a deep breath, she called it back to her person. Watching as each one just blinked out of existence, only to feel exhaustion come crashing over her.

Pushing away from Sesshomaru, Lucy felt the world shift out from under her. Already knowing that it was Magical Exhaustion. Lucy opened her mouth as familiar arms wrapped around her, lifting her up. Raising her head up, she smiled at Leo, who was looking at her, worry creasing his brow over his sunglasses. Though the tension in his body as he curled her towards him had her curious as she let her eyes flutter shut as she slipped into blissful oblivion.

He stared at the girl. She was intriguing. It was as simple as that. Even though she was human and beneath him. But something about her drew his attention. From the fact that she thought she could defend Rin against himself and with a whip no less. To the strange smelling people or rather 'spirits' who kept popping out at random. They were fiercely loyal to her. As was proven last night as the orange haired male, who smell of cat, had shown last night as his simple observation.

The gentleness she showed as well as her explanation of the fact she was once a noble's daughter. How she, like Kagome, drew people to her. A softer inner light. Though she showed a measure of respect to him, he had been taken by surprise, something not easily done, when he had watched as she sat down with the strange goat-man spirit for meditation to start and produce small balls of raw power, or as she called it magic.

He had watched from his spot in the forest shadows as her face completely relaxed. It was then that the small orbs grew in size rapidly. Something in him, instinct had him moving forward as if being drawn against his will. The moment he was within a reaching distance of her, the Goat-man, Capricorn she called him, had warned him respectfully to not interfere. It was then that a familiar pink and holy energy burst from the orbs. Next thing he knew he was shoved by an invisible force towards Lucy who was unaware as her power swelled even further. Lighting up the area like a beacon, inviting attack by those who would seek it.

He reached out to grab her and shake her. In that instant he had found himself in a tiny barrier, holding her to his body. His senses were overwhelmed by her smell, as he pressed her curves against his body. Each move she made caused his Youki to flare out at the holy power and it was very uncomfortable. So the moment she seemed to come out of her meditative state he gave her a warning.

The fact that she seemed to listen immediately made him glad. He didn't want to even think why it made him glad. The look in her eyes in the next few minutes shifted through a variety of emotions before settling on showing him she was annoyed with what he said. Forcing him to repeat his question while tightening his hold as the barrier flickered with her emotion. Causing the fine hairs on his arms and back of his neck to stand up. Though he knew it was not under threat, it was obvious the girl had no clue.

Eventually, she replied back, throwing his word into his face. And the way she growled, it had made him still. It was improbable that a human could even make that level of sound, let alone know what it meant. Inciting him to feel even more annoyed, if not anger. Even if she had answered his question, but only after Rin had asked it. Having been aware of the others arriving from the village.

As he started to ask the girl again, he found the look she shot him stilled his word. It was frustrating. But he did his best to keep calm as the spirit spoke up. To which she immediately responded, rankling him further. Then his brother had to just speak up. His words having an instant reaction from the girl, washing away his frustration as the smell of salt tinted the air in the barrier. Then it was gone, back to orbs, which were vanishing one at a time. Before she pushed away from him and stood up. Her skin paling rapidly as her body tilted to the side.

It impressed him how fast the cat-spirit moved to get her. The way she smiled at him before she passed out, Sesshomaru stood up and narrowed his eyes at the duo. There were so many questions that were still unanswered about this girl, traveler from another world. And he had thought the Miko Kagome had been bad enough. This girl, she was on a different level.

"I want answers, now!" he clipped out, earning a dark look from the cat-spirit.

"I think Brother Leo, that you should get hime back to the village to rest in the hut," came the soft voice of the pink haired spirit.

Narrowing his eyes, Sesshomaru would not be denied. Stepping forward, he was stopped by a polite cough. Turning his attention towards it, he saw the Goat-spirit step forward a slight tilt of his horned head as he looked at him with respect and deference.

"I will do my best to answer any and all questions I am able. But be aware that I am limited as my Master is unconscious,"  his voice modulated and showing that he was being polite only for the sake of propriety.

"That is fine," Sesshomaru said as he waved at the cat-spirit to lead the way, ignoring all others gathered there. He would have his answers one way or another. Because there would be many demons and humans soon coming to investigate the sudden flare of power and try and claim it. And he would not have something that was dangerous on his land without a good cause.

Chapter Text

They sat in silence watching as the pink haired maid attended to the unconscious girl. Waiting patiently for them to be ready to answer questions, but understanding that the spirits would need to take care of Lucy. All where wondering just what that power was that she had released, though they were all familiar with the feeling of holy power and the Shikon no Tama. And that burst of power had definitely been a mix of Holy power, the Shikon, and something none of them knew. But assumed that it was the magic that Lucy had explained to them yesterday.

Soon enough there was that odd other-worldly poof and the pink haired maid was gone, leaving the goat-man and Orange haired man named Leo behind. Both sat next to Lucy, looking back at the group.

"I am now ready to answer your questions, Lord Sesshoumaru," Capricorn said.

A tilt of his chin and a soft Hn was all he gave as an indicator. Keeping his amber eyes on the girl laying behind the goat-man, Sesshoumaru spoke, "What exactly were you two doing this morning?"

There was a brief silence before Capricorn replied, "As was stated prior by myself. I was having her go through our normal morning routine of meditation to help her focus and control her magic. Though, I must admit, that she had never produced that amount of magic. Nor the color pink to it."

He kept his face impassive as he listened to the explanation. Making sure to break it down and analyze it thoroughly. the Magic concept was still an improbable thing to rationalize. Childish stuff, but yet he had seen it. And he understood the reasoning behind the meditation, as he himself did it as well. It helped provide a calm and gave more control and easier adaptability to his youki.

"That pink is Holy Power, known to monks, priestess, and Miko's. It is normal, but dangerous to one such as this Sesshoumaru, the half-breed, Kitsune Kit, and two-tailed cat," He stated in a bored voice. "Explain to me why she has passed out."

He watched as the Goat-man, Capricorn gave a brief look at the orange-haired male who smelled of cat. Watching as he gave a small nod of his head, his hand never ceasing its stroking of the girl's hair. There was no mistaking the affection that was there. A fondness that spoke volumes of love in just the touch its self, which made another question come to mind. One he would be asking soon enough.

"It is called Magical Exhaustion. It happens from the overuse of one's magic, draining the containers for it that each mage holds inside," Capricorn replied in a succinct manner.

Lifting an eyebrow at the explanation, as his eyes narrowed on the spirit before him. Sesshoumaru waited. Soon enough there was a pink poof and that odd chime-like sound. The Pink hair spirit had returned, besides her was what looked to be a strange wooden box that had a mustache on what was a strange face.

"Capricorn, Hologram said he could explain better than you if you and big brother would allow it," she said.

Still examining the newest spirit, Sesshoumaru wondered what he was supposed to represent. And from the way it sat, it looked like it was sleeping, big snot bubble and all.

"Of course, I will not deny the one who keeps all knowledge for the Celestial Realm the right to educate who he wishes," Capricorn stated.

Not missing the slightly amused tone as he spoke, Sesshoumaru lifted a hand as his brother started to move. Knowing his quirks and habits. When a soft grunt and whispered meh as the sound of his flopping back to the ground. Casting a quick side glance at the slayer and monk, he saw twin grins of amusement on their faces.

"Hologram if you would," Capricorn said.

There was a loud pop of the snot bubble before a yawn was given as the spirit blinked sleep crusted eyes.

"Oh... uh... yeah okay," came an ancient and slightly wizened voice.

Then a loud gong sound, as the room filled with the smoke of another poof. Wrinkling his nose, and refusing to sneeze as his half-breed brother and the others were doing. Sesshoumaru waited for the gray cloud to thin and dissipate. Which it did quicker than he thought, revealing a wooden framed, black slate board.

"What the hell was that? It was foul, loud, and obnoxious. And what the hell is that contraption?" InuYasha bellowed.

If he was a lesser person, Sesshoumaru would be rolling his eyes. Turning a baleful glare at his brother. Smirking as InuYasha described himself to the letter, while the monk calmed him down.

"This is a blackboard. It is used for writing out things while lecturing. Do you not have such things in your world? It is common for schools and such when teaching," The pink haired woman said.

Though as he looked at her, he could see her dark eyes alight with mocking laughter at his brother, who just huffed and mumbled about something similar in Kagome's futuristic world, though white and tacked to a wall. There was still much he did not know about the Miko, but he had been informed that she was from the future and had been on her way home for a visit before coming back to stay permanently. But instead hours later they ended up with the feisty blond, wearing the Shikon No Tama.

The silence that hung in the air had him turning his gaze to the weird wooden box like spirit, the goat, and orange haired man. A small nod of his head had the goat reaching out and tapping the box spirit. Who started and coughed.

"Oh, yes yes... of course," he said floating to the board. "Okay let's break this down to make it easier starting with humans and magic."

As the thing spoke images began to appear on the board. The basic outline, non-descript humanoid, that had two small connected circles, like containers inside it. While next to it there were words appearing. Words that were in a language that he could understand.

"Humans, in our world, didn't always have magic. They evolved due to be able to harness it. Thus the containers. Not all humans even in the current age can wield magic. In fact, it is still a small percentage, no more than fifteen at max I believe. And each person that developed Magic had an affinity for basic elements at first," the spirit said. "As time went by, it evolved into various types of magic. There is to many to explain at this point. But due to the process, magic originally was harmful to the body, so again they adapted and evolved, thus having little containers, or storage places, in their bodies where Magic is collected and kept."

There was a pause as the spirit seemed to nod off. But something told him that the thing was not asleep, but waiting for acknowledgment that they understood. Giving a small lift of his chin and Hn, as a small hum came from both the monk and slayer. The explanation was simplistic, but he was not surprised to know that his brother was radiating confusion. The kit by Rin, who was next to him seemed to even understand. His brother was hopeless.

"Good. Now to the next part," the spirit said, his head nodding as if he was fighting off sleep. "As they kept evolving, the various types of magic diverged. And those rare humans that had a lot of magic potential were eventually able to have more than one type of magic. At first, two was the max, but now, there are some individuals that have up to from what I know, at least ten types of magic. But those are people who have lived a long time, have taken the time to master their first magic. Knowing it inside and out."

Again the spirit paused, images on the blackboard changed and showed that non-descript humanoid with two containers doing various actions before it vanished, leaving it blank. Again Sesshoumaru repeated his actions, same with the others, his brother being sullenly quiet was a blessing.

"Now onto Magic Exhaustion now that I have given you the basics," the spirit said. "That occurs when you are using your magic to the point that one or both containers are near emptied. If they are emptied, it can kill the mage. This state leaves the mage extremely tired, and often they can pass out. It takes time to refill the containers, as the particles in the air are absorbed through breathing or even regular continued meditation. As for now, I do not feel any of the needed particles, except the very rudimentary ones, in the air. So, it might take Lucy-Hime a while to even wake up."

Sesshoumaru listened as he watched the board again fill with the images that depicted a mage doing various things, battling included, and their containers progressively emptying. Showing the mage tiring out and falling down and even sleeping. But like the spirit said as long as there was even a little bit of magic in the container, they could live, just severely weakened. But if it was emptied, it showed a rather humorous picture of the soul departing their body, indicating death.

"Now, a mage can increase the size of their container through various means. One is meditation, which also allows for them to connect and control their magic better. But also physical training and application. Lucy-Hime has two large containers. The second is called a second origin, meaning it has to be gained or earned through increasing the first to its max capacity and overflowing. It can be painful," the spirit continued. "And, of course, there are cheating methods of which to gain it quicker, but that means that it will be painful, you have less control over the magic until you train it. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, this is how Lucy-Hime had to acquire hers. But being the smart, tactician that she is, she mastered control of it easily."

Once quiet fell over the room, it was clear that the spirit would say no more as soft snores echoed in the small hut, the board vanished. And Sesshoumaru could tell that he was asleep again. The smiles on the faces of the pink-haired and orange-haired spirits told him this as well, because of the fond smiles.

"Is there any more questions you wish to ask, your lordship?" Capricorn asked of him.

Giving a small curl to one side of his lips at the respect being showed, Sesshoumaru nodded.

"Does she have more than one type of magic?" he asked.

It was quiet for a bit, but eventually, Capricorn answered, "No, not that we know of. She does have the capability to use heaven based magic, Fairy magic, or light-based magic.  But she is content with the celestial magic she has. Each of us spirits is very diversified as is. Making her ability to use a wider range of skills. Though she does like to fight alongside us, instead of staying back and directing. Often putting herself in harm's way, it is part of her way of saying we are more than a tool to her."

At that, Sesshoumaru felt his eyebrows inching up on his face. Though he quickly got himself under control. Face a blank mask, he noted that none of the spirits had missed his reaction, though they remained politely silent.

"That is impressive actually. But that was clearly holy power leaking from her, activating the Shikon no Tama, which should be in a mostly dormant state of being. And the feeling of power from the Jewel around Lucy's neck is unmistakable. That is like a homing beacon for Demons and other humans who are corrupt and want to satisfy their own needs will now come for her," Miroku said, in a very sage-like voice.

This had the attention of the spirits. The box-like one jerked his body up straight, his odd face staring harshly at the young monk, who blinked wide-eyed.

"That would be most unfortunate. I am assuming that her own magical abilities, which are not easily masked here, will make her a bigger target. I must return to the Celestial realm immediately. Leo, I will inform the king and research my library to see if anything new has appeared," Hologram said.

With that, the room was filled with another loud chime and the smoke. But it was gone in seconds. Leaving the hut quiet once more. Each reflective in their own manner. Eventually, Sesshoumaru stood up and made to leave. Only to pause at the door and look back at the spirits, letting a rare smile show on his face.

"The information you provided will give me much thought," he said. "This Sesshoumaru has one last question, for the orange haired male.  You are tender with her, are you her potential lover?"

The shock that crossed everyone's face was instantaneous. But watching as many things flickered across that mans face, in his eyes, now that they were not hidden. It told him much. He did love the girl, more than she probably knew. Though the sadness and repressed anger in his glare had Sesshoumaru inwardly smirking.

"No, I am not. It is forbidden for a spirit and human to couple at all. It is one of the biggest taboos that can be committed next to letting your mage die," came the terse reply.

Not missing the faint golden glow around the male, he just stared him down, only to have his eyes jerked towards the girl.

"At the base of the place where holy men rest. You shall find the key to the gate of a Lord who was a second too late," she mumbled softly, still asleep. Her face relaxed, a small smile curving pink lips.

TBC

Apocalypse: E.N.D. : (updated 03/12/18)

Deal with the Devil: (updated 03/05/18) (no longer on ff.net)

Death Bonded: (updated 02/11/18)

Down the Rabbit Hole: (updated 03/14/18)

Fallen Star: (updated 12/04/17)

Feast of Flesh: (updated 12/05/18)

Fighting for Enlightenment (03/05/18)

Juxtaposition: (updated 12/05/18)

Obsession: (updated 12/22/17)

Predation: (updated 12/22/17)

SWD: Wizardess Heart: Amelia Nile, Double Agent: (updated 01/15/18)

Silver Memories: (updated 01/01/18)

The Choices we Make: (updated 01/15/18)

The Taste of a Rose: (updated 01/15/18)

Tolerably, Intolerable: (updated 02/09/18)

Past, Present and Future: (On hold, rewriting it completely)

Red String of Fate: (On hold, rewriting it completely)

Twisted Fate: (On hold, rewriting it completely)

Chapter Text

He stood outside the old woman's hut. Eyes focused on the horizon to the west. Already the wolf had come to investigate, though he was merely curious. And of course, his brother had taken exception to Kouga's presence. So, now the two were off fighting. It was childish in his opinion. Especially since Kouga was slotted to take Ayame as a mate and become the lord of the North.

From inside the hut, he heard a soft feminine groan. It had been almost three days since the girl had passed out. The answers he'd gotten from her spirits both satisfied him and left him wanting more. But the oddity of all this was the girl. At dawn, noon, dusk, and midnight she'd speak a riddle. One that gave the location, but not what she was to find.

The sky darkened as the sun finally sank beneath the tops of the forest trees. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes as he lifted his chin in silent greeting as a small pale green ball of light floated before him.

"Mother," was all he said as the ball changed into a tall, pale woman, who looks just like him down to the magenta crescent moon on his brow.

"Three days, almost four, I have waited for you my son. Yet you did not come to me," She snipped at him.

Keeping silence because he knew she was not done.

"I am greatly curious pup as to what you did. My castle in the sky, I felt your Youki, mixed with the power of the Shinkon... and something very otherworldly," She growled lowly at him. "Now please explain to me what happened with that blasted Miko."

Already his mind was rapidly organizing what he would choose to tell his mother. Only to be brought to a standstill as the girl groaned and began to speak.

"At the base of the place where holy men rest. You shall find the key to the gate of a Lord who was a second too late."

As Lucy spoke he watched his mother. Whose pale skin became almost translucent as the light of the moon, while her golden eyes widened in obvious shock. Before she moved past him into the hut. Of course, he followed only to see his mother stop no more than a few feet inside. Staring down at the girl who was now on her side, sleeping peacefully. A small smile on her full pink lips.

"This is not the Miko. She smells odd as if she does not belong here," His mother whispered.

Sesshomaru knew his mom was stunned. A feat that was not easily achieved. So he took pity on her.

"She is not from her, or the future the Miko came from. She is from another world altogether. But she is in possession of the Shikon, Mother,"  he stated in a calm voice.

Though subtle he saw his mother's shoulders sag. Almost as if in defeat. His proud mother withdrawing into herself. It had his nerves suddenly on edge.

"When she wakes, I want you to never leave her side, Sesshomaru. Help her in whatever tasks she does," was all he got before she shifted to that small pale ball of green light and flew off.

000

Lucy opened her eyes and yawned. Feeling completely rested. Checking her containers to find her magic was at full capacity, she sat up. Her mind instantly pulling up everything that had happened before she had passed out. It made her cheeks heat as she recalled being in the one called Sesshomaru's arms and being openly defiant to him. Giving a low groan as her mind conjured up images of the retribution he'd exact on her person. Because she had gotten the distinct impression his Lordship didn't tolerate slights. Real or perceived.

"Ah child, ye have finally awoken. Come let's get ye fed."

At the sound of Kaede's voice, Lucy looked up at the aging woman and smiled. Earning a smile in return. Though her brain was trying to tell her what was said to her was out of place. But she was more interested in food. and for some reason was really hungry.

She was halfway done with her third helping of the stew. Stomach feeling much better when the others entered the small confines of the hut. Each taking their own small bowl of stew and sitting and eating. And Lucy noted looking at her with a lot of curiosity.

"Uh... is something the matter? Did I get food on my face?" She asked after swallowing her current mouthful.

Watching as they all shared a quick look before Miroku spoke up. "I think I speak for most of us Lady Lucy. But whatever happened three days ago, knocking you out, is of great interest. Because you not only harnessed quite a lot of the Shikon power but fused it with your own magic. Than Lord Sesshomaru's youki, or demonic energy. As if it had no natural conflicting side effects."

Shock coursed through her mind and body. Leaving her unable to pick apart what he just said. No, it was stuck on the fact that she had been unconscious for three full days.

"Keh, I think you broke Blondie," Inuyasha chuckled.

Slowly she turned her head to look at him. Narrowing her eyes, Lucy felt for her link to her spirits. Silently she willed Virgo to appear. And she did, feet on Inuyasha's head, force planting it into his bowl he just brought to his mouth, and into the ground. Smiling at the site she looked at her pink haired friend who smiled before returning to the spirit world.No doubt to inform the others she looked okay. Meaning both Leo and Capricorn would be visiting her soon.

"You said three days? And I did something... unheard of? Is there anything else I need to know? she asked in a calm, polite voice. Though internally she felt anything but.

"Actually, yes," Sango spoke up. "You would at dawn, noon, dusk, and midnight speak a riddle."

At this Lucy lifted an eyebrow., STaying silent so that Sango would elaborate a bit more. Because that sounded completely absurd. She was out cold not in a trance.

After a few seconds ticked on by Miroku spoke up, "Lady Lucy, you kept repeating this, 'At the base of the place where holy men rest. You shall find the key to the gate of a Lord who was a second too late.' And we know the place the first  line indicates."

Pursing her lips as she tilted her head to the side. Her mind turning the riddle over and over. Mentally thankful they at least knew where it was talking about in this strange world. And the other part had her going through idea after idea. Though she had a few ideas, there was no way one or two would be correct.

"Woman, we leave at dawn. You may use the time traveling to figure it out," Sesshomaru commanded.

Narrowing her eyes as she sat up straighter, back stiff and looked at him. Noting he just stared back at her impassively. Not giving an inch, meaning that she was stuck with being up before sun up and traveling. Just like she'd done with her team due to Natsu's motion sickness.

TBC

8th Day: (7/11/18)

Apocalypse: E.N.D. : (7/11/18)

Death Bonded: (7/11/18)

Devil in the deal: (7/11/18)

Diabolik Miko Diaries: (7/11/18)

Down the Rabbit Hole: (7/11/18)

Fallen Star: (7/11/18)

Feast of Flesh: (7/11/18)

Fighting for Enlightenment: (7/11/18)

Forbidden Fruit: (7/11/18)

His Brother; Blood & Magic: (7/11/18)

How it Should Be: (7/11/18)

Juxtaposition: (7/11/18)

Obsession: (7/11/18)

Past, Present, & Future: (7/11/18)

Predation: (7/11/18)

Red String of Fate: (7/11/18)

Science of Love: (7/11/18)

Silver Memories: (7/11/18)

So in Love with Two: (7/11/18)

SPACE: (7/11/18)

The Choices we Make: (7/11/18)

The Taste of a Rose: (7/11/18)

Tolerably, Intolerable: (7/11/18)

Twisted Fate: (7/11/18)

We All Fall Down: (7/11/18)

Zero to Gundam: (7/11/18)

Chapter Text

The trek was long, almost a week and a half from the small village. But it was not anything Lucy hadn't done before. And it was nice having the small group with her. Though she felt on the outside with some of the banter being tossed around. Their funny and sometimes outright horrifying stories of this Kagome girl, made her feel like she was her mirror image in this world. Always getting kidnapped, learning and adjusting while on the go.  Yeah, Lucy was glad for her old teammates and her spirits.

When they had reached where they were supposed to be, Lucy had felt a bit closer to the small group. Well, except for one person. She could get a decent read on him... sorta. But she was sure there was a stick so far up Lord I-am-better-than-thou's ass. Often he reminded her of the Noble society and why she fucking left it. And had to bite her tongue to keep from speaking rudely and aloud. Especially after witnessing how many times he'd put InuYasha into the ground. Though the man-dog deserved it.

Hell, Virgo had done it a few times herself when he called her wench or undeserving bitch. Complaining that she wasn't Lucy. Like that was a no-brainer. The damn guy had some issues. Abandonment, trust, abuse, neglect, PTSD. Yeah, she got that. But it didn't mean that she wore a damn sign that said 'I am okay with you talking smack to me!' So, she smiled when her pink haired maid would just 'pop' out right on top of his head, and face plants him. Of course, this had the others laughing hysterically. Recalling stories about how Kagome would 'sit' him. She had muttered once that she would love to 'sit' him.

The way he tensed, went wide-eyed and fearful was humorous, to say the least. When nothing happened he relaxed and made a snarky comment. Only to have not just Virgo plant his face, but Aquarius pop out as well. He got a bath as the blue-haired spirit ripped into him. Essentially saying she was the only one to insult Lucy like that. This had Lucy deadpanning a comment as she waved her hand in front of her face.

"Miss Lucy?"

Looking around until she saw Miroku giving her a slightly concerned look, Lucy smiled. She had spaced out again. Going into her headspace. Something she had mastered when walking miles with her team, because she didn't want to deal with Natsu's and Gray's bickering. That subconscious ability to walk and avoid obstacles had been handy. Now, well now, it made the group concerned. Getting her lectured. Though she knew they meant well, genuinely cared.

"Ah, I am fine. But thank you for the concern, Miroku... Everybody," she said and gave a polite bow.

The looks she was getting didn't help, but it was put the side. There was an understanding to a point. When she looked up at the mountain, Lucy was in awe of the raw power it radiated. And it was so pure. She had a feeling both Wendy and Chelia would flourish here. The air was clean, unpolluted. Their magic would probably ascend them. With a deep breath and sad smile at missing her younger mage friends, Lucy looked back at the group.

"It is beautiful. So... pure... this is where the Holy Men rest?" she asked.

The small nod she got from everyone was all the answer she needed. Reaching down to her key ring, she picked out the key she needed, Pixus. Holding it up as she spread her legs apart, Lucy focused her magic and directed it to flow to her arm. Feeling the warm hum as it tingled throughout her body, just like when she bathed in a hot spring.

"I am the road that connects this world and the next. I ask that you open the gate of the compass, Pixus," she said.

The magic circle that appeared under her feet was almost triple the size, but the magic was not increased as she held back greatly on it. The look of wonderment from the group gathered was almost pleasant in an odd manner. When a soft chime was heard, followed by a puff as Pixus appeared, Lucy knelt down to the odd-looking spirit and rubbed its head.

"Hello Pixus, I am sure you know why I called you. But can you point me in the direction I am to go for the missing key?" She asked.

Pixus tilted from one side to the other as if thinking. She knew he was locating the direction, before pointed. Smiling Lucy went to send him back when Pixus poofed again. When the smoke disappeared, he was so much smaller and was flying around. It had her shocked. Not once had she heard of her spirits having a second form. Hell, there was a theory that she could tap their powers and her own appearance could change. But that took years of training, very hard training.

"Pixus?" she asked.

The small commentary she got in her mind had her giggling. Nodding her head as she just started off in the direction he'd indicated. She wanted to find that key. She had a good theory on which key it was. Not wanting to spoil it for the others, Lucy kept mum, saying that the key had vanished from her world. That the story went it was sacrificed, destroyed. A fate equal to death for the spirit as it could never be possessed or owned again.

000

He was not amused with how the woman kept spacing out, even if she was able to not trip, fall, or walk into anything. She needed to be situationally aware. And he had banned her from using her magic because he didn't' want to draw more attention than she already had to the party. Which had incensed the woman to no end, she refused to be a damsel in distress and be protected. Instead, the damn girl pulled out that whip of her's and put it to effective use the three times they were attacked.

He had never seen or heard of a whip that could expand and contract as the user's will. Let alone glow and sparkly like a river at sunrise. It was impressive and she never let her guard drop. And then to see the last demon that attacked, a large Bear Demon was kicked through a few trees, Sesshomaru made a note not to be in the path of her kick... ever. He felt the raw power behind it. A feat normal humans could never hope to master, even the slayer.

When she pulled the key from the ring in her pouch, he watched as she took up a stance he'd not seen before. The air around her changed as she spoke an incantation, before a strange spirit she called a compass, appeared. The flow of the magic he could tell was muted greatly. Meaning she had more control than he thought previously. More stuff to learn since he was bound to her side due to his mother's interference.

So, the moment another poof happened, he thought she had dismissed the spirit. After the smoke cleared, his senses highly offended by its smell, Sesshomaru was shocked to still see it. More so when it seemed to have changed shape. And while observing the woman, he noted she was shocked as well. Telling him she was not aware that they could do that. But he was attributing it to the Shikon no Tama, which was still hanging innocently around her neck and resting in her cleavage.

Ready to find this key and return to Rin, Sesshomaru paused when Lucy just started walking in the direction the spirit had indicated. Biting back a scathing retort, he decided to follow at a sedated pace. Keeping her in sight at all times. He was impressed as she navigated the forest with ease. Avoiding all the hazards that could potentially harm her until they came out in a clearing near the base of the Mountain.

He could hear the whining from his brother about how the place was making him feel weak and ill. Sesshomaru was not affected as badly, but the purity of the holy mountain was irritating his skin. He watched as Lucy seemed to walk to the base and stare at the wall. Her head cocked to the side as she mumbled the riddle over and over.

It was rather fascinating to watch as her face went from one expression to another. She had that in common with the Miko. But unlike the Miko, this woman, she was somewhat guarded. As if she was always holding something back. Though at times while she slept, he could smell it on her. Loneliness, fear, sadness, pain. But even then it was muted greatly and he knew that InuYasha was unable to smell it. Plus on occasion, while she slept, he heard her say some names. Those he was sure belonged to her friends she had left behind.

"OH!"

At the sound of Lucy exclaiming, Sesshomaru lifted an eyebrow and looked at her. She started giggling as she dismissed the small spirit that had been sitting on her shoulder. Next, he watched as she pulled out another silver key. Once more taking up that odd stance, before her magic, again muted, filled the air. The odd circle at her feet appeared, crawling up the side of the mountain, as she called out for a spirit named Lyra. It took only a second before there was a poof and he could feel another of those strange beings appear.

"Yes, Hime!"

"Oh, Lyra, can you play a hymn?" Lucy asked.

He thought quickly about what she meant by hymn as the first strains of the Harp the spirit carried echoed on the air. The spirit's voice sweet, melancholic as she sang in a strange language. There was no doubt what she was singing about. Clever girl. A holy place, a holy song. Soon a rumbling was heard before the ground shook as the side of the mountain parted revealing a hidden passage.

"Thank you, Lyra, You may... " Lucy was saying only to trail off.

"Hime, this spirit... it is old, powerful... please be careful."

As soon as the spirit finished speaking it was gone, leaving Sesshomaru to witness a very perplexed faced Lucy. Which was rather intriguing. When she looked at them all, he just nodded his head and moved towards her. Glad that she took the silent signal for what it was.

000

Her mind running in several directions as she tried to figure out what Lyra had meant. Of course, Canis Major would be old and powerful. There was plenty of legends revolving around the Constellation. But she wouldn't believe a darn thing until she met the spirit herself. Lucy was no fool, she had a gut feeling that this was just the start of a quest that held a reward that she couldn't even guess at.

The tunnel was not long, nor was it dark. Its walls were covered in glowing moss. A faint bioluminescent light casting a green glow across the walls was like out of a horror flick. At the thought, she smiled as she made her way around the bend. Only to stop. Right before her was a pedestal with a key on it, a jade key.

"Okay... that is not what I expected," she muttered more to herself.

"What is not, woman?"

Jumping straight up and choking (literally) on her scream, Lucy spun and glared daggers at the Demon Lord. Forcing a tight, polite smile she just looked at him. Breathing deeply thru her nose. Knowing if she opened her mouth she'd be screaming at the arrogant, stealthy like a ninja bastard. Once she felt she had herself under control she took on last breath.

"I expected the key to be silver like Canis Minor, or my plue's key. Yet, this is jade," she explained.

Already she could hear the thrum from the key. It was calling to her, as it sensed her presence, or rather her magic. The pull was strong. It called to not just her magic, but her herself. Something Lucy had never expected to begin with. And it sorta scared her.

Slowly she turned and walked towards the pedestal. Pausing for a few seconds trying to sense if there was a magical trap or not. Feeling for something. Then carefully she tested to see if there was a physical trap. When nothing presented itself, she stood up and looked down at the key. From how it was pulsating, she knew that the spirit was laughing at her. Quirking an eyebrow as she reached out and ran her fingers over the key, she let her mouth drop open. The raw power of the spirit had her amazed.

With great reverence, she picked up the key and held it in her hand. Jade was a delicate stone. And while it was imbued with magic, she was not about to break the damn thing, even accidentally. Closing her hands around the key, she faced the group and nodded for them to leave, as she walked between them all towards the exit.

Once outside, the day had shifted to full-on night. Making her blink. They were not in the cave for very long. Her internal clock and Hologram told her that. So, there had been spatial magic in there. Not many beings could really do that type of magic. Narrowing her eyes as she made her way back to the clearing because she would summon this spirit in a wide space, just to be safe.

"I suggest that you all be prepared. I can tell you from the amount of magic in this key when I summon it to make the contract, there will be a huge burst," she stated simply as she walked to the dead center.

Glancing at the others, she smiled and met each of their eyes. Seeing the serious look in their eyes as they accepted what she was saying. Of course, they had no clue what magic was, just that it attracted demons... just like the Shikon no Tama did.

"We will be ready, Lady Lucy, do as you must," Miroku said.

Giving a small nod of her head, Lucy spread her legs apart, lifted her arm up in an arc until it was level with the front of her body. Closing her eyes, she channeled all her magic into the damn key, feeling it pull like a leech did blood. Once she felt it connect Lucy opened her eyes.

"I am the road that connects this world and the next. I open the gate of the Jade Key, Canis Major," she intoned.

Her own voice felt like it was booming in her ears as a magic circle appeared above her, contracting and expanding as it sucked upon not just her magic, but the power of the Shikon nestled in her chest. Causing her to feel light headed and dizzy. Just as she heard shouting and clanging of weapons, on top of the smell of melting flesh, Lucy gasped as her lungs constricted. A brilliant flash lit up the clearing just as her body started to fall backward.

"Now, now. You should not faint, dear lady, before we form a contract." A deep male voice resonated.

Lucy did her best to force her eyes open, just to see a flash of white and a smile that had her heart rate picking up at a dangerous pace. There was no way in hell she'd survive this spirit, he was on par with Loke, or better in the looks department.

"Thank you for the compliment,  but you need to stay awake, Hime," the voice spoke again as she was righted before she watched thru hazy vision as the spirit walked away. Hands cracking as they joined the fray.

TBC

8th Day: 7/18/18

Apocalypse: E.N.D.: 7/22/18

Devil in the Deal: 7/29/18

Diabolik Miko Diaries: 7/29/18

Down the Rabbit Hole: 7/30/18

Fallen Star:

Feast of Flesh:

Fighting for Enlightenment:

Forbidden Fruit:

His Brother; Blood & Magic:

How it Should Be: 7/15/18

Juxtaposition:  7/13/18

Life in the Seireitei's Squad 11: 7/29/18

Obsession: 7/18/18

Past, Present, & Future:

Predation:

Red String of Fate:

Science of Love:

Silver Memories:

So in Love with Two:

SPACE:

The Choices We Make:

The Taste of a Rose:

Tolerably, Intolerable:

Twisted Fate:

We All Fall Down: 7/18/18

Zero to Gundam:

Chapter Text

He felt the power as he lashed out with his Dokkaso (Poison Whip), causing loud pained cries to arise from the front line of the demons rushing them. He saw that there was a mix of various types ranging from weak little imps, weasels, and rats to outright powerful ones like Cats, wolves, a bear, and a small dragon, which was rather intriguing as Dragons tended to be self-absorbed with their power not needing anything else. Then again, the woman was unique and could be seen as a treasure of sorts.

It was when he heard a deep rumbling voice that almost had him pausing as he pulled Bakusaiga from his side. The voice sounded beyond familiar, and he refused to believe it was who he thought it could be. Then there was the power that crashed over him; only it was stronger than his mind recalled. But even with that, he refused to believe it as he tore into another group of invading demons. This was not a battle they could win.

He was spinning as he flicked out his Dokkaso again. Sesshomaru came to a halt on the battlefield at what he was seeing. And from the way the others had come to a standstill as the demons began to scream in agony as poison mist flowed around the clearing, literally dissolving trees, grass, rocks, even the dirt, on top of the demons who couldn’t get away quick enough. This caused Sesshomaru to let out a low growl — drawing the attention of what could only be the woman's newest Spirit, Canis Major.

He growled again when all the ‘spirit’ did smile at him. A smugness in golden colored eyes like his own. Though the markings were more significant, more jagged on the face that looked like a young boy. As the long white ponytail fluttered behind armor that was splattered with the blood that also coated strong, yet delicate hands and dripped to the ground.

“Well, hello to you to pup,” the Spirit said, the smile on its face getting wider, showing more fang.

Sesshomaru said nothing as he stared at the man who was a mixed image of himself and Inuyasha. They’d encountered his Spirit only once before when he, himself, had attempted for the sword that was now hanging at the spirits side. There was no mistaking the sword of Hell. There was only one master it would obey. He had tried and failed.

“Dad?”

At the single word, Sesshomaru swung Bakusaiga out, flicking the blood from it before sheathing it back on his hip. Then stood there, arms at his side watching as the Spirit turned to look at his younger brother. Who was all moony-eyed. Of course, it was to be expected, since he had grown up with the man before him. To teach him the ways of the Inu Demons.

Her world swam as she fought off the effects of Magic Depletion. It sucked, but if there was one thing anyone could say about Lucy was that she was tenacious. So, as the battle raged around her as a large group of demons, both small and large, all from different species, she guessed by looks attacked. Her mind was already sorting out what she was seeing of not just her new spirits abilities but those of the small groups.

Each was effective in their unique manner. And as Lucy noted it and put it in its file in her mind. Then once she felt like she got her second wind, Lucy readied herself to join the fray. Stopping as her body locked up as a familiar voice, a mighty voice boomed in the back of her head. Knocking the breath straight from her lungs and causing her to drop to her knees with glazed eyes.

“You shall not join this battle, Little Friend. Watch and learn what happens. For you have given back an ancient friend of mine, for which I am grateful.”

She whimpered in the back of her throat as she tried to formulate a reply. The presence of the Spirit King didn’t recede from her mind or body. It was a weighty burden, making that new Spirit she just summoned look like a pittance in her two magical containers. Though the Spirit with his bare hands easily demolished some of the larger ones who showed genuine fear before they tried to escape. Then a green mist that eroded at the plants and ground surrounded them.

Lucy was stunned as the world went from being in semi-slow motion to fast forward as the Spirit spoke directly to Sesshomaru who openly growled at the Spirit — causing anger to fill her person because she didn’t tolerate anyone or anything messing with her friends and family even if she hadn’t entered into a contract with the Spirit yet. Though the amusement she felt roll off the Spirit as it addressed Sesshomaru as a pup made her want to laugh, though instinct had her keeping quiet.

It was when Inuyasha spoke up, calling the spirit dad that Lucy did a double take — looking from the Spirit to the two white-haired males in her group. Everyone's eyes were going impossibly wide at seeing him. An almost perfect blend of Sesshomaru and InuYasha. It had her head swimming as she tried to suck in desperate breaths, drawing the Spirits attention back to her.

“Oh, I think the poor lass has had a bit too much excitement,” he said, his lips quirking up in a grin that had Loke’s paling considerably.

She could feel Loke pouting through their bond, but it was not in an adverse manner. As the Spirit walked towards her, she shrank back a bit. Her mind was buzzing with how the Hell a Celestial Spirit could be the father of an Inu Demon and his half brother, how the Hell had his broken key been put into this world. And when the Hell would Stache-face release her from his power. It was suffocating and making it hard to function.

When the man, no spirit stopped before her, he knelt and frowned at her. She was sure it was because she shrank back from him. Though he didn’t reach out to touch her, he did lift an elegant eyebrow above beautiful, reflective golden eyes. That had her finding it hard to look away. That was when Lucy noticed that the Spirit didn’t have the Crescent moon like Sesshomaru.

With a deep, rumbling chuckle, Lucy blinked at the Spirit before her. “Of all the things your mind can focus on, it is what I lack. Besides, he gets that from his mother,” the Spirit said before he furrowed his brows. “Now, Sei-roo if you’d be so kind as to withdraw your power from the poor Mage, I will explain things to not just her, but everyone.”

It was in that instant Lucy felt her lungs expand, making her severely lightheaded. Her limbs were no longer being constricted, but they still felt more or less numb. Meaning in a few minutes that annoying, painful tingle of pinpricks would be happening.

“I am Toga, the Spirit of the Jade Key Canis Major. Originally I was a silver key in the world you lived in, Earthland. But to save me and a few others, our owner shattered out keys in a major war that was taking place due to a Dragon Slayer going Berserk,” he explained.

His words had Lucy’s eyes going wide. She knew the Dragon Slayer in question since he was now called the Dragon of Apocalypse, Acnologia. So, the stories of when the key had been shattered were very accurate. But it didn’t explain how the key had gotten to this place where magic didn’t seem to exist, and Demons were commonplace. Though disliked, or out right hated, like they were in Earthland. But traveling to another world was no biggie; she did that to Edolas.

The soft laugh that drew her from her head space had her face flushing darkly as she looked at the Spirit, no Toga. That was his name, and she would call him by that.

“To answer your question, a magical door was used. Information was given to several Celestial Mages, including one that looked almost like you. My owner shattered out keys to keep them from the hands of corrupt Celestial mages, knowing they’d not make it past the door, or the eclipse gate being opened, which was a plea to protect the future. The goods took pity upon us broken keys and sent us here,” he explained.

Sesshomaru listened to his father explain things to the girl. He had no clue who this Sei-roo person was. But he had felt the extremely strong power keeping the woman on the ground. But it had vanished after his father had spoken. His mind recalled the tales his father had told him of powerful mages and the fight against dragons. How many sacrifices were made to protect the land that the mages lived in? Hard choices made.

Even as a small pup, he had sensed no lie in his father’s words. Now, now he was learning the truth his father was from another world. Was a spirit of the heavens. But it left so many questions. One his own pride would make him refuse to ask because that would show his curiosity, concern for the whole situation.

“If… you’re a spirit Great Lord Inu no Taisho, then how are you classified as a demon?” Miroku asked.

This had his father shifting and sitting cross-legged in the grass. And it bothered him that his father never took his eyes from the woman.

“Think on it monk. Demons are considered fallen spirits. Whether it be of the underworld, an angry animals spirit after death, or a human’s make,” Toga said. “And when my key was shattered, along with my companions and sent through the gate. The gods gave us a physical form. But we were warned, once our physical bodies expired we would return to our keys. Though we were not informed that our keys were no longer silver.”

Sesshomaru looked at the back of his father’s head. Trying to guess at what his endgame was. There was almost always an outcome where his father was concerned. And he would not be some willing pawn in it again. Not that he had hoped to defeat his father, not with the amount of raw power just unconsciously rolling from him.

Lucy was stunned. The fact that Toga told her all this was astounding. It had her heart soaring in her chest. That meant her earlier guess that this was the start of an adventure. Smiling, she looked at him, eyes narrowing. Already she knew he could hear her thoughts. A bit worrisome since they had no contract, to begin with.

“Will you enter into a contract with me then, Toga?” she asked.

The way he jerked back and blinked at her. His clawed hand was coming up and pointing at the key she held, which she raised for him to look at.

“By holding that Key I am now bound to you and your descendants if they are born with the aptitude,” he stated. “It is a lot different than before. And though I have been kept from the rest of the Celestial Realm, when I entered into the key and the Holy Man who was there the night my mate and wife died took me and put me here, you can say I got a crash course on everything I was missing in that world and this one.”

“Oh… so what are your wants and needs?” she asked. This earned a disdainful sniff from Sesshomaru and a whine from Inuyasha.

“While normal restrictions don’t apply to me, or any of us that came through the gate… I want to ask that when you use me, you do not call me for at least a day or two. While you have your second origin, it is not enough. They need to be expanded, and your third opened. As for my needs, seeing my sons and being able to stretch my body about is good enough for me,” Toga said. “And I can come and go on my own now. But if you need me just think of me, don’t bother calling out, and touch my key.”

She nodded memorizing all he said. Her eyes were darting to both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. She had a feeling that life was about to get even more hectic and crazy. But that was par for the course. At least she wasn’t going to be bored without her teammates, or guild members. Smiling, she thrust her hand out to him and watching as he looked at her and took her hands in his own and gave it two quick, prompt shakes.

“There our contract is now set,” Lucy said, just as her eye fluttered and she fell asleep. Leaving everyone, including Toga, stunned as she instantly curled up in his arms after he caught her.

TBC

Chapter Text

Lucy leaned back in the natural hot spring that they decided to camp next to. Her mind sorting and organizing everything that had happened in the two weeks since she acquired the Jade Key, Canis Major. Who was also the father of two of her traveling companions. Currently, Toga was in the Celestial Realm catching up with the other spirits (mostly for her sanity). Because she was ready to find a way to replicate what the last owner of the Shikon no Tama had been able to do with those beads around Inuyasha's neck. One for both said individual and his damn brother. 

Leaning her head back and staring at the few stars she could see through the trees as they towered over her. It was crazy, and she felt like pulling her hair out of her damn skull in bloody clumps. If she had thought that Inuyasha was annoying and his brother almost insufferable with his better-than-thou attitude, they were beyond that. And her mind couldn't conjure up a word for it either. Sighing, Lucy let her eyes flutter shut and tried to relax the knots out of her shoulders. 

They had been searching for the next key with the clue Toga had given her. It was cryptic, and none of them have been able to figure out anything from it. Then again, with the constant influx of demons trying to attack the little group she now traveled with, on top of having Leo being cranky and making a commentary in the back of her head, thinking clearly, rationally, and logically was not possible at the current moment. 

"I am swift and vicious. Catch me if you think you are able." 

Lucy says up, eyes snapping open as she looked around for the voice she heard. It was a ghost-like whisper in her ear. The feeling of her heart beating fast and heard in her chest as she jerked her body in a circle trying to see if she could sense anyone nearby. When she could see or feel anything near her, Lucy narrowed her eyes and growled low in her throat. She wasn't a fan of perverts, or people playing pranks. 

Giving a loud snort, Lucy stood up and walked to the edge of the hot spring. She knew she would be unable to relax any further. Who or, even, what just spoke to her ruined any chance of that happening. Grabbing the towel Virgo had given her, Lucy briskly dried herself than dressed in the jeans and pale green t-shirt she brought. Sending a silent thank you to her spirit as she pulled on thick cotton socks and her calf-high hiking boots. 

"The chase is afoot. I am near yet far. Catch me if you can" 

A cold chill running down her spine as she sat up straight, Lucy whipped her head around to try and find the speaker again. Not able to stop herself, Lucy stood up and jogged back towards the camp they'd made. Already knowing it was pointless to try and hide the fact that she was nervous and a bit scared, Lucy broke into the clearing and made her way towards Sango and Miroku, who gave her questioning glances. 

"Oi, what spooked you like a damn rabbit?" Inuyasha snapped at her. 

When she turned to look at him, Lucy saw his ears go flat against his head. 

"I heard a voice in the forest while I was bathing and after I got dressed," she said softly. 

"A voice, Lady Lucy?" Miroku asked. 

Slowly she nodded her head and explained what she had been doing and what was said both times. It really disturbed her, possibly a demon trying to get her to run away from the group to be left alone and helpless. Something she was coming to understand had to do with the damn jewel she wore on a chain around her neck. Many have already come for it because of the power that it held and now mingled with her own magic. 

"Hmm, it sounds as if it is taunting you. Challenging you to catch whoever is speaking to you," Miroku said as he smiled. 

This had Lucy pausing and blinking her eyes as she thought about what was said (again). Only to huff in annoyance. 

"Well, at least she had enough sense to come back to the damn camp instead of chasing after the damn voice," Inuyasha stated as he laid down and rolled on his side, back to the group. 

He had made a lot of rude comments about her and was outright insulting of their friend Kagome. Lucy had heard about his past and what it was like for him to grow up and to a point, she could relate. But for him to open just bash on someone and then keep calling them by someone else's name. Compare them to that person, when said person was dead, was just fucked up on so many levels. Then again, she had no room to say shit since she dealt with Natsu and her team. 

This was just too much for her poor mind, Lucy decided it would be best to do what Inuyasha seemed to be doing at the moment. Bunking down for the night. Getting up, she went over to the bedroll that Virgo had given her and crawled into it. Once she felt comfy enough, Lucy rolled onto her back and looked up at the sky. Amazed at how clear it was as she began to search out the constellations she recognized. 

*****

He moved away from the tree he had been leaning against during the whole dramatic spectacle. Sesshomaru didn't have time to speculate about some mysterious whisper that the woman had heard. Though the words were intriguing, it had nothing to do with what he really wanted. A thing that the woman denied him because she was annoyed with his brother's antics. Then again, the dark look she had shot in his general direction after the altercation that had caused her to stow his father away in what she called the Celestial Realm. 

Of course, he had a lot of questions for his father. But what he wanted was to test how far he has come since his father's death. To prove he was his fathers equal, or could best his father now. It had been over seventy years since his father's death. 

"You know she would be pissed if we did what you wanted, right?" 

Spinning around, hand on Bakusaiga as he stared at his father, who was leaning against a nearby tree and looking up at the sky. 

"It does not matter what she feels or wants. And I guess this is par for the course with you and your human bitches," Sesshomaru growled. 

His hand tightened on the hilt of his sword as he watched his father's head shifted, so he was now looking at him. The way the moonlight made his father's eyes shine like liquid gold as power rolled off his father as displeasure showed. 

"Human or not, I was born a spirit and have found my master. So, yes, it does matter greatly what she feels and wants," Toga growled at him. 

Sesshomaru slides one leg back, readying himself. His father was still defensive of humans. To him, he could respect the Miko for the fortitude she showed on the journey to right the wrong she had done. And the power she wielded to destroy the half-breed Naraku. This new girl, yes, she had magic and the Shikon no Tama. But he saw it, she didn't use her full potential. The spirits she could summon were weapons and tools, yet she treated them as friends and family, disgusting and weak. 

"Really? Your Master. The Great Inu General, Ruler of the Western Lands, would bow before a weak female who doesn't realize the utility of the tools she has at hand?" he muttered. 

In the span of an eyeblink, Sesshomaru was nose to nose with his father, neck being painfully squeezed as his body was lifted easily from the ground. The tiny prick on his neck began to burn with the poison from his father's claws. What had him going still was his father's eyes. They had bled red with slitted teal pupils, like his own. His father's beast, inner demon, was rearing his head in anger. 

"You are still a child, Sesshomaru. I wonder if I should have left all my lands, riches to you? You haven't changed much at all. Though I know you have a human you care for, it is just because of the bond through the Tensaiga? Would you get rid of her if the bond created was broke?" his father snapped at him. 

On his next breath, Sesshomaru felt his body flying through the air. He twisted and landed gracefully and looked at his father. Not surprised that his father looked as if nothing had happened. Face and eyes back to normal, that power he had radiated was gone. 

"The stars will speak, they will guide. The key is pale and sparkles. Small and timid, I maybe, but strong I am. For power calls to power and comes in all shapes and sizes." 

With those words, he watched his father vanish into a pillar of green and gold light. That was the riddle to find the next key. It still made absolutely no sense. But his father's questions had him thinking as Sesshomaru looked in the direction of the camp. 

TBC!

Chapter Text

Lucy gave a loud huff as she pulled herself up from the ground, spitting out dried grass and dirt. Narrowing her eyes as she glared balefully at the jerk who had put her in the crater. It was then her fault, having asked the (now smug) bastard to train her in fighting. She knew her skills were not as abysmal as he had made them out to be, not having had to survive many adventures and mage battles. This situation was on a whole other level; it was almost as if the white-haired, stick-up-his-ass Dog Lord was trying to kill her under the pretense of teaching her to fight. 

"Glaring does nothing to win a fight, woman." 

Not rising to the bait he was dangling, Lucy acted like she was brushing the filth from her person. It'd been just over a week since she'd acquired the Key of the Dog, the father to the two she traveled with. And having given a small brief respite to allow the three family members to bond had been interesting. Of course, it had led her to ask to be trained by a said prick who was now openly gloating, though it only showed how bright his amber eyes were. 

"Well, at least you don't have to be puppy trained to piss outside," Lucy shot back at him before throwing herself to the right, rolling and popping up. 

There where she stood was a small hole that had Sesshomaru standing in the middle. The faint pink tint to his eyes let her know she had needled him good. It was not easy to get under his cool, calm (almost) impenetrable facade. And his father had refused to help when she had asked him about it, said she was smart enough to figure it out on her own. Now it was a cold fire she was playing with, but the point of this exercise was to dodge and unsettle your opponent. 

"Woman, you best watch where your line of insults goes." 

Flashing in a bright smile, making sure to show her teeth, Lucy snorted as she shrugged off his warning. Already she knew if he tried to kill her, he'd be repelled by her spirits and the Shikon. Which still disturbed her on a whole new level, a sentient fucking jewel. One that tried to plague her dreams with making a selfless wish. Lucy was not stupid; she knew there was no such thing as a selfless wish. The very definition of a wish was to state a desire or need, whether for yourself or another. Fuck that shit. 

Once more, Lucy threw herself out of harm's range, her arms coming up to block clumps of dirt, grass, and rocks. She wanted to pull her whip out and use it, but as it was directly related to her magic, that was a no-no. Gritting her teeth as her feet hit the ground as it crumbled underneath her weight. A sharp intake of air as her body fell straight down into the now mini ravine that was created. 

"You are not focusing on and wasting my time. I do not wish to train an errant child, woman. If you cannot focus, this Sesshomaru will not train you." 

"Yeah, well, if you want to be a petulant little bitch because I refuse to give in to your demands about sparring with your damn father, go get anally fucked mutt!" 

The moment the words were out of her mouth Lucy knew she had crossed a line she shouldn't have. But with her body more-or-less wedged in the crack, she was unable to defend or move out of the way. Lucy took a deep breath and just stared at the now thoroughly enraged dog demon before her, waiting for his attack. Though, she would admit watching the magenta stripes on his face go jagged as his eyes turned the shade of freshly spilled blood with teal slitted pupils was fascinating. 

Only seconds later, a brilliant flash of gold, pink, and green flashed before her eyes as a feral snarl came from the man above her. The Shikon had shielded her again and was purifying his acid, or was it poison? Both maybe? Either way, it took blow after blow. 

"Damn, the bitch nailed him, didn't she?" 

Not taking her eyes away from her attacker, willing the shield to stay put until he was done venting. Lucy slowly lifted a hand and flipped the bird to Inuyasha. Virgo was already asking in the back of her head if she could stomp him into the ground. To which she got a solid no and no to the punishment question. Though it was amusing to hear how much pleasure Virgo seemed to get out of doing that to Inuyasha, making Lucy wonder if her spirit might have a crush on him? 

"What is going on here!"  

Flinching as a muttered string of cuss words reached her ears, Lucy watched Sesshomaru shift his attention to the person who shouted. After being here for almost two months, Lucy had learned that demons were not welcomed, often hated upon. Those that were a mix between the two races, for demons were not a species, and that would be rude to assume it, were hated even more. But still, her fellow humans didn't seem to grasp the idea of danger from a threat that they were unable to handle. 

"I open the gate of the Dog; come forth, Toga!" Lucy hissed under her breath just as Sesshomaru started to stalk towards the intrude, still in a rage. 

There was no poof of smoke, the chime of a bell, just the appearance of Toga. He promptly snagged Sesshomaru by the back of his collar, threw him to the ground, and sat on him. While Lucy would be laughing hysterically at the sight they made(not that Inuyasha was holding back), she wisely stayed silent and extracted herself from the small crevice she was partially stuck in. 

"Ah, my good sir, I am sorry for the disturbance. They had a mock sparring match at the young ladies' behest," Miroku said, his voice coming out smooth. 

Slowly Lucy turned herself to look at the man who spoke and bit the inside of her lip. He was wearing armor with a crest on it. Easily her mind recalled a conversation a few nights ago they'd all had around the campfire. They'd entered (at some point) the lands of the ruling Noble family, it seems, as this man was a samurai. Who was eyeing her, Toga and Sesshomaru, who wasn't struggling with the lack of sounds? She wondered how they'd get out of this situation without bloodshed.

It was silent as they all sat there before a man who was clearly someone familiar with the battle. In fact, Lucy was sure that she could smell the blood that had steeped permanently into his flesh. The way he kept eyeing her was not comfortable. Then again, it could be because the poor bastard who'd been sent to check out the disturbance had been pounded into the ground by her, with no weapons, just her normal brutal, patented 'Lucy Kick.' 

"Let me get this straight. Your little, hodgepodge group is on a journey that you will not explain more about. And you just happened to enter my lands because you got information that said a part of what you are looking for is here?" 

Lucy put a small smile on her lips and dipped her head. Sango had knocked out Miroku after he grouped this man's Head Chatelains' posterior. A part of her was happy he knew what a demon hunter was, and Demons. In fact, this man, Nobunaga Oda, knew who Toga was and hadn't asked many questions about how a great demon general was alive again. 

"Fine, I can leave it at that. But I am curious about you, woman. Your hair is blond like that of the few westerners that have come to Nihon to peddle their wares. But you do not seem to be like them. And if what my subordinate said is true, you put him face-first into the ground with a simple kick." 

There was no question; it was a full-on statement. Again, Lucy just dipped her head in acknowledgment. Her eyes were watching him closely, reading his body language for any hint of ulterior motives. 

"I find it hard to believe a petite woman who is overly endowed could do that with a kick. You look like a poor example of a Geisha. Though you sit there and act like a proper lady from a Nobles house." 

It was hard for Lucy to keep the twitching from her face as she felt her smile become even tighter and forced. If asked, she would more than demonstrate on his person. She had been informed of what a Geisha was, and she was not a paid whore for those with money. Hell, she was still a virgin, for fucks sake. This world and their mycologist manners were pissing her off. If he has seen her in the outfit she had originally shown up in, he'd probably have some mental and physical issues. 

"Do you have nothing to say?" 

At this, Lucy let her smile get wider, sweeter as she narrowed her eyes at this man or rather WarLord. The way he arched an eyebrow and seemed to smirk in return was telling. 

"To tell you the truth, Sir Oda, I am of noble birth. But frankly, being objectified as chattel and something to be sold off to a man three times my age is just sickening. Especially if it was for nothing more than money, prestige. I do have a brain between my ears, so do not think I am an idiot," Lucy said, her voice getting low and soft, yet staying polite and respectful (mostly). "And I have fought my share of battles. If you'd like, I can prove to you that I did as you were told." 

The way his other eyebrow inched its way up to his forehead as the other men, all warlords under him, stared aghast at her. Lucy knew they all knew it was a challenge and one-pointedly directed. From behind her, there was soft chuckling that Lucy knew came from Toga, accompanied by a snort of derision from Sesshomaru. She knew he was still pissed that their sparring match had been interrupted. 

"You have guts, little girl. But you also speak the truth and are valid reasons, even if it is a woman's place to do as her father wishes. But I will take you up on that offer, a small match of sumo wrestling. And if you can knock down, pin, or even move the one I chose outside of the designated area, you and your group are free to roam my lands unheeded for what you are looking for. Deal?" 

The way the air in the room became tense; Lucy knew she had no choice. And something told her that this match wouldn't be something she was familiar with. Even still, Lucy sat straighter and gave a quick, short, and sharp nod of her head. 

"Good, then everyone outside. A sumo match it is!" 

Lucy didn't understand what Sumo was, but she was sure that she'd get a brief crash course. And one way or another, she'd do her damnedest to win.

Sesshomaru just stared at the impromptu sumo wring. It had been rather amusing to see Lucy's face go red as her opponent emerged in nothing but the mawashi that was worn during the Sumo match. The amused laughter (at her expense) from the gathered warlords, except for Nobunaga, as well as his brother, had only made blush darker. But he could tell that it wasn't from embarrassment. 

Of all the people that this man, Oda Nobunaga, had chosen was his right-hand man Mitsuhide Akechi. While he looked mild mannered, he was well aware of his feats as a warrior. Not that he cared for humans, but Sesshomaru would be foolish not to keep track of those humans that did pose a potential threat. And after talking at length with the Miko Kagome, he knew these men would change the flow of history that would give rise to the time period the Miko had lived in. 

Though he still wanted to take the damn woman to task for her comments from earlier. He'd give Lucy some acknowledgment for finding the right way to anger him and make him lose control. It was the purpose of that exercise, but she didn't heed him when he said to leave off. No, she goaded him until his beast rose and made him kill her, which brought that strange and damnable shield out. It was curious that the Shikon would help her when it was nothing but a bauble intent on mischief. 

"Oh! Look at that!" 

Let his eyes narrow as he watched the two grapple. Mitsuhide was at least a good four inches taller than Lucy and easily bodywise out massed her. But the way she slid her feet wider in the loose sand, lowering her body's center of gravity, he couldn't help the corner of his mouth twitch upward. He was well aware that she could fight, was oddly stronger than one would think looking at her. Or that her sense of balance was exceptionally good with how large her chest was. No, she was a smart and fierce, tiny human female. 

In seconds the flow of the match shifted as Akechi's eyes went wide as Lucy lunged in as she let go of one of his hands and grasped the edge of his mawashi and jabbed her shoulder into his chest. The way her feet spun in the loose sand as she shifted her own body weight, keeping her center of gravity low. It was almost beautiful with the fluidity as she lifted the man up and over her shoulder and then to drop him on his back on the soft ground. 

"Match Set!" 

Sesshomaru stood from where he had sat on the provided tatami mat, his father beside him rising as well. When Lucy spun and looked directly at him, openly ignoring Nobunaga and all his vassals, he saw the way her brown eyes sparked in open defiance at him alone. He knew it was another challenge, but he just tilted his and earned a small smile from her. 

"I concede you are more than capable as a woman and fighter. You may roam my lands freely on your journey. And if you ever get bored, you may come back and warm my bed." 

Sesshomaru went still as what seemed to be a dark aura full of killing intent leaked out from Lucy. It was rather impressive and made him suddenly question if she might have demon blood in her before dismissing it. Instead, opting to watch silently as Lucy rounded on Oda Nobunaga and told him to go, fuck himself, with some rather graphic hand signs to make sure he understood her. 

TBC!

NEXT STORY TO BE UPDATED is Fallen Star

Chapter Text

It had been a few days since their little soiree with the local Lord of the Land. Lucy was just so done, though now she had a few different (and newer) problems. One was Inuyasha wanting to spar with her because he couldn't believe she had flipped a man taller and more muscled than her. After all, she was human. And that had her seething and allowing Virgo a semi-free reign to put the loudmouth jerk into the ground. Talk about being speciesist and sexiest. Though Lucy would give Sango credit, who had thwacked Inuyasha with her giant boomerang into the ground when he said a human woman couldn't be that strong. 

Miroku has wisely stayed silent and stood with Sesshomaru, who had watched impassively, almost bored-looking, to the side. Lucy wasn't stupid; she noticed that the demon lord now looked at her in a different light. But she would rather not even try to analyze it because he was still infuriating to no end. 

But at the moment, Lucy's biggest issue was that strange voice was back, repeating its message, " I am swift and vicious. Catch me if you think you are able. " And now the rest of the group heard it. Thinking it would be prudent to ask Grandpa Crux and Toga, she was let down as they couldn't interfere, which in her mind confirmed that this was a spirit talking to her. That she had to figure it out and hunted down the spirit. Which she had done, and now Lucy was feeling like a storybook character since her life was now openly mimicking Alice in Wonderland. 

Gritting her teeth as she continued to chase after the small iridescent light that kept well ahead of her, darting to and fro in a zig-zag pattern. It was like hunting a fucking rabbit. The urge to use her magic was strong, yet for some reason, her magic was inaccessible. Meaning this was her trial for the damn Key. It shouldn't be that hard to catch the damn ball of light in the open plains, so why was it difficult? 

" Are you tired? Do you want to stop? You only get one chance. " 

Narrowing her eyes, growling as she pushed herself to her physical limits, Lucy watched and waited. The pattern hadn't deviated in how the damn thing was moving. When it jerked back to her right, Lucy half lunged, half threw herself at the same time. She gave a triumphant whoop as her hands seemed to wrap around the damn iridescent ball of light only to have a large hole open.  

" Fuck! " she got out as gravity took its rightful toll, and she was falling into the black abyss. 

She could faintly hear the cries of the others as she hugged that ball of light to her chest. Her only thought was to protect the spirit at all costs as the opening of the hole grew smaller and smaller. 

" Key. Find it and go home? Fight. No choice you are given. " 

Unsure of what was meant, Lucy looked down at her arms. The little ball was rapidly growing and forming into a distinctively humanoid shape and male. A male whose face was in her breast, as blue eyes peek through pale lavender-colored hair. Panic filled her mind as she fought internally (with herself) on whether to hold onto the spirit or push it away, calling it a pervert. Because she was sure, a Lucy Kick would be bad, and the angle was totally wrong.

It was amusing watching the woman chase after the small will-o'-the-wisp ball of light. He noted that she wasted too much of her energy, pushing herself to her limits like a fool. The complete opposite of how she was when she did the sumo match with the human Mitsuhide Akechi. Sesshomaru felt annoyed since this spirit had been vocally taunting the woman for the past two days. That and his instincts told him to chase his prey, but he wasn't sure if the prey was the ball of light or the woman?

Sesshomaru let his gaze slide to his brother and the rest of the group. His brother had made some rather snide comments and been thoroughly humiliated for it by the weird pink-haired spirit. He didn't think that a human female could be weak. The Miko had proven that as time had passed, growing as an individual by accepting her situation. That the Slayer was able to wield such a large weapon made from Demon Parts like it was nothing. His brother was such a dense idiot at times, and he hoped their father, who he knew was always watching, would realize that. 

In fact, he was sure his mother was still able to go toe to toe with him in abilities. Not that he would openly say or admit it. Turning his gaze back towards the woman, Sesshomaru couldn't help arching an eyebrow as he watched her throw herself to the side, arms outstretched to grasp the ball. He could tell that she had realized that it was running in the same pattern over and over again. It was about time, but his mild amusement was cut short when light encompassed her, and she landed on the ground unmoving. 

The shouts of the Slayer and monk as they rushed forward. He was well aware that each of these spirits would give a riddle and require a challenge she had to overcome. His fathers had been sealed in Mt. Hakurai, requiring a specific type of song to open. So, in his mind, it stood that first catching the spirit in a semi-physical form would be part of it. Sesshomaru already guessed which spirit this was based on the riddle, feeling no need to tell anyone. 

Giving a small sigh, Sesshomaru slowly made his way to where the others were now gathered. Only to narrow his eyes as he saw the transparent form holding hands around Lucy's throat as the color slowly began to drain from her face. This trail could end her life, as he couldn't sense any of her magic. He hoped that she wouldn't let something like this kill her, not when he hadn't exacted his price from her hide after that debacle in the forest. 

TBC!

NEXT STORY TO UPDATE is Fallen Star

Chapter Text

Lucy felt strange as they kept on falling as if her body was progressively getting colder. The arms of the Spirit around her were gradually getting tighter, making it hard to breathe. 

" Fight. Show me your strength. I am not weak. "

All while the words it said were constantly being repeated. It was hard to focus on what they were saying. Lucy had figured out that this Spirit was a rabbit in nature based on how it ran, and now she was falling down a long hole. At the thought of being in a hole, Lucy shifted her gaze up and saw that the opening was a circle of light about the size of a beach ball now. However, it was still getting smaller by the second. 

" You fight. I will prove I am stronger, not weak. Show me. " 

Opening her mouth to speak, Lucy found it hard to do. Shifting her gaze back to the Spirit, she saw that it wasn't so ethereal in appearance. Nope, it looked almost as solid as it felt squeezing her. That pale lavender hair was very long down his back, for it was most definitely a guy. Those clear, pale blue eyes were glinting dangerously at her, showing patience that was a bit frightening. All as that pale, porcelain colored skin seemed to glow, highlighting long fangs that seem to protrude from thin lips. 

Lucy closed her eyes and tried her best to focus on what was being said, why the Spirit wanted to fight her, to prove his strength. Her mind shifted through all that she had seen, experienced. Then jumped to the knowledge she had on rabbits in general. Lucy had always thought that rabbits were small, cute, gentle, and timid creatures that could bring a person joy as a pet or provide food for those who hunted them for their meat. 

Yet, in researching so many things while working on her novel back in Earthland, Lucy had come to have a deeper understanding of them. Rabbits were, by nature, social creatures in their own circles. That their dens, or warrens, were a large set of interconnecting tunnels that protected the families and could confuse the predators that hunted them and could fit into said tunnels. Yet, Lucy knew that rabbits would run at the first sign of trouble, using trails and hidden paths in the underbrush that made it hard for not just humans but other animal predators to track them back to their homes. Then again, she knew from Natsu that when he and happy tracked rabbits, they could go very still, slow their heartbeats and hide in plain sight. But when caught, they were vicious things that kicked out with their strong back legs and long nails to rip apart whatever was holding them. 

Smiling, Lucy tightened her arms around the Spirit, holding it more firmly against her body. What was the right solution? What did it mean to fight? There were many different ways to fight, to show one's strength. But, somehow, Lucy knew that physically fighting back would be bad. There was no denying this Spirit was way stronger than her physically. 

" Fight me. Show me strength. I am not weak. I will prove it. "

Opening her eyes, Lucy looked directly into the eyes of the Spirit, who was now almost all the way solid. If it weren't for her situation, she would think he was cute in a childish innocent way. There was no denying that those eyes showed an innocence as they glared openly at her, daring her to act. Then it hit her, and hard as Lucy realized that she already had the solution. There were many different kinds of strength; not all of them were physical. Same with fighting, people didn't need to fight using raw, brute strength. 

Having her answer, Lucy looked at the Spirit, hoping that the gaze she was giving him was stern. Then Lucy hoped it would hear what she thought since speaking wasn't an option. Not with her ribs being crushed. 

" No. I will not fight you. "

The way those blue eyes went wide before their arms began to tighten even more. 

" Weak. You are weak. Pathetic. I am stronger. "

Not breaking eye contact at the jubilation that echoed in the Spirits voice. Lucy just arched an eyebrow. 

" No, I am not weak. I am strong, but it is how I use my strength, for there are many different kinds of strength. " 

At this, the Spirit blinked and drew his upper lip back, making the fangs more pronounced. 

" No, I am the strongest. I want proof there is more than one strength. " 

She saw the intelligence shine again in the depths of his eyes as they narrowed. But now, with him being fully physically formed and his arms like a vice making it hard for her breath and focus, Lucy knew her time was growing short.

" Okay. I am strong in strength in the heart and mind. Physical strength is using your body to fight. Like you are doing right now, crushing my ribs, making me unable to breathe. But you know that your intelligence or strength of mind shows in your eyes, " Lucy thought at the Spirit. " The way you ran from me after the group I was with found you shows that you were trying to lose me; shake me off, Mr. Rabbit. I know that my strength isn't what you probably want, but if I fought you physically, you'd kill me with a blow or two. I couldn't compare. But, I offer my other strength of mind and heart to you if you'll accept it. " 

The last of her words felt faint in her mind as her vision began to blur. It was not what she wanted as her mind registered that her life was slipping from her. The lack of oxygen was now showing its signs. But there was one last thing Lucy wanted to do, hoping it would reach to Spirit. Slowly she began to run her fingers through the silken strands of the Spirits hair, marveling at how soft they were. 

" I accept. You are smart. I am the Opal Key of the Rabbit; my name is Juromaru. Wake up and heal, then we shall make our pact. "

A slight rumble, akin to when Happy purred while being pet, came from the chest of the Spirit. All Lucy could feel was warmth filling her heart as she let her eyes close, and her body began to feel light even as it hurt. She had a new family member to love and care for.

Sesshomaru watched as those ghost-like hands began to solidify, showing the outline of the person or Spirit they belonged to. For some reason, the vibe coming off of it felt familiar. Familiar in a manner that had him narrowing his eyes. 

"Hey, you guys see that? Something is strangling the dumb bitch." 

At Inuyasha's comment, Sesshomaru curled his fingers into fists, making sure that they cracked loudly. He didn't like what his brother liked to call Lucy. She had proven herself to be capable in more than one way; even if it was her fault, they were all traveling the whole of Japan to find these damnable keys. 

"It would seem that the Spirit is challenging. Miss Lucy," Miroku spoke up. "I had wondered after receiving Sir Toga's key if there would be more trials." 

"What do you mean?"

At the idiocy his brother was showing, Sesshomaru shifted, so his back was to the others. His eyes taking in that Lucy's lips were a pale blue, and her skin was almost the same shade of white as his kimono. But what had him peering closer was the smile on her face as her eyes moved rapidly under her eyelids. It was curious how she could look happy and be thinking while being choked to death. 

"Think about it. Lucy was given a riddle to solve, leading us to Mt. Hakurai," Miroku explained, his voice showing an edge of annoyance. "But when we got to where the Key was supposed to be was just the side of the mountain. Lucy had to think and then used a Spirit to play a hymn to open the hidden door to get the Key. That is what is called a trial. It forced Lucy to think." 

"Feh. So, this is a trial of life and death?" 

"Hey, guys... shut up. Doesn't that Spirit look familiar?" Sango snapped. 

Sesshomaru was happy with Miroku's explanation. Indeed Lucy had to think, using basic reasoning skills to solve a riddle, then find a solution to gain access to the exact hiding spot. But with each passing minute, the Spirit became clearer, gaining a physical body sitting on Lucy's torso and squeezing her throat so she couldn't breathe. At Sango's statement of the Spirit looking familiar, it brought Sesshomaru back to why it would feel familiar to him. 

"Shit. That is Juromaru one of Naraku's incarnations," Inuyasha stated, before the sound of Tessaiga being released from its sheath. "How is this possible? Naraku is dead." 

Feeling shocked for a few seconds, Sesshomaru turned and glared at his brother, who was readying his sword. 

"You attack that Spirit and harm it; then Lucy is dead. We can get the details later, now put your sword away," he commanded his brother. 

The dark, baleful glare he got didn't phase him in the least. After a few seconds, Sesshomaru felt relieved when Inuyasha had put his sword back in its sheath. Turning back to Lucy and the Spirit, who was now fully manifested, Sesshomaru felt more shock flood his system. The Spirit had shifted off Lucy and was now holding her in his arms like a precious toy. And though she was still unconscious, she was smiling as the color returned slowly to her body; her hands were running through the Spirits long, lavender hair as it gave a deep rumbling purr-like sound. 

At some point, after he had looked away, Lucy had done something that had won the Spirit over to her side. Though Sesshomaru wanted to know what it was, he'd have to wait until she woke up. 

"We shall make camp for the night here. Lucy is in no shape to be traveling after her ordeal," he stated, as his eyes honed in on the strange markings that seemed to appear under the bruising on her neck. 

TBC!

NEXT STORY TO UPDATE is Fallen Star

Chapter Text

Lucy was beyond livid. It hadn't even been more than two days since she had made a contract with the Key of the Rabbit Juromaru. His skills were pretty amazing if she was, to be honest. And right now, they were being put to the test. Lucy and the group were shocked when the two-headed dragon Ah-uhn appeared with the small Imp Jakken and the little girl Rin. So, learning that there was a local hot spring in the woods, Lucy had suggested they all go. 

It was pleasant, relaxing, and plain fun. Having a girl's day was always worth it. And Virgo had brought in bathing supplies from the Celestial realm. Meaning the body soap had small stardust flecks in it, making it look like glitter was sprinkled across their skin. Rin had instantly fallen in love with it. However, Lucy had told her that she would have more only if your Guardian, sir, stuck up the butt, allowed it. The man was an overbearing control freak. A hot one. 

Yet, as they got out and dried off, Lucy went to put her undergarments on; she had a very unexpected surprise. They were gone. It was then that Sango gave a pained groan and looked apologetic. Instantly Lucy thought Miroku had snuck over and taken them. The man was a perv, though he didn't mess with her after ending up in a chokehold from Ares (which had surprised Lucy greatly). When Sango explained they were still technically on Oda Nobunaga's lands, Lucy had felt confused. Then Sango dropped the bomb that something like this had happened before. 

There was a young man named Amari Nobunaga in the Clan who had a pet monkey. Said Monkey had a penchant for stealing things; things belonged to women. Lucy felt the cool air whip around her damp, towel-clad body as she ran full tilt after her Spirit. She knew that putting on clothes would be the best idea, but with her anger flowing freely. Yeah, stopping to get decent wasn't going to happen. 

" You are persistent. "

The echo of words in her rage-soaked mind had Lucy stumbling for a few steps. Her eyes narrowed as Lucy tried to sense the presence of a spirit. 

" Chi chi chi. Don't think so. " 

It was like the faintest brush against her senses; then, it was gone. Growling aloud, Lucy came to a complete stop. She felt her lips curl into a smile as the sound of the others who had gone after her new Spirit came to a halt as well. Taking a deep breath, Lucy opened up her senses and accessed her first origin. She had been training with Toga on controlling the flow of her magic in each of her magic containers. He had stated she needed to do more than meditate and expand them. Toga had minced no words with her about her lack of controlling it. Saying that it was amazing, she had come as far as she did without dying. 

It had been a huge shock to her. Lucy figured she had great control since she could summon two gold keys or all her silver keys at once. The stern lecture she got was humiliating but an eye-opener. Being raised to learn from her mistakes, so she didn't repeat them, Lucy had given in and started focusing. 

" Oh, you think your petty tricks can get me? You who cannot leave the ground? How fun are you? Chichi chi. "

Her concentration was shaken by the arrogance and mocking in the voice. Letting her face go slack, hiding all emotion, Lucy felt her magic begin to stir in her first origin. She hadn't done this successfully yet, but Lucy knew she was best at learning via practical application. Her mind began to form the image of a bowl filled with a golden liquid that shimmered a pink-lilac-silver with swirls of green mixed throughout it. This image was the easiest for her to work with as she shifted it subtly so that the surface was rippling as drops of the liquid began to float above it in little iridescent teardrops slowly. 

"Miss Lucy?"

She heard Miroku's questioning voice but ignored it like the skin on her arms began to turn into goose flesh. Lucy didn't need much of her magic, but getting just that little bit to come to the surface was difficult. Taking a deep breath once more, Lucy let the image change. The bowl of her magic in liquid form vanishes, leaving the floating teardrops. Which she began to will into a single ball with her mind. 

When Lucy opened her eyes, there before she was that small ball she had pictured, the golden body, swirling lightly with the mix of green-pink-silver-lilac, was beautiful. Lucy blinked her eyes as sweat fell from her brow into her, causing them to sting. Now came the difficult part, since Lucy had only ever used her magic to open the gates and summon her spirits. 

"Seek," Lucy whispered as she raised a hand and tapped the manifestation of her magic. 

" Good job, pup. " 

Toga's voice rang in her head with pride. Lucy didn't bother to reply as she let her senses expand and travel with that small golden ball. 

" Chi chi chi! What was that? What did you do? "

Lucy felt her lips twist into a sneer as she laughed internally. All she wanted was to capture the perverted little beast who stole her undergarments. Then, Lucy would find a way to deal with the damn voice that was taunting her. Another trial was not what she wanted to be dealing with. It had only been two days.

"What is the wench doing?" InuYasha complained as he entered Lucy's line of sight. 

"I don't know, but I can tell you that Miss Lucy needs her concentration," Miroku said, his voice showing his interest in her actions. 

"Keh. Whatever, it's not like she can do shit. I mean, look at her standing there in nothing but a towel like a geisha," InuYasha snapped back. 

Lucy snorted as she felt a pull on her magic reserves. Then the air filled with a poof and chime before the sound of InuYasha hit the ground face first. Virgo looked around, her eyes wide in mock-innocence as she looked down at InuYasha. The smile on her face had Lucy feeling a chill crawl down her spine. 

"Hime, punishment?" Virgo asked. 

"Nope," Lucy said as she kept her eyes focused before her. "Thank you, though." 

"Of course, Hime," Virgo said with a warm smile as she stepped off InuYasha before sitting cross-legged on his prone body. 

Lucy saw a brief image flash across the surface of her eyes. It showed a young man in samurai robes picking up a small monkey. Said Monkey looked excited as it waved her matching silver lace bra and panties in its hands. Feeling her rage boil up and over, Lucy took action. She mentally instructed the ball of magic to float to the duo and hover above them. 

"Ensnare!" Lucy hissed from beneath clenched teeth. 

Her connection to her magic distorted as the ball seemed to explode over the duo. Letting her body relax, as she smiled benignly to those with her. Then without a word, Lucy began to stroll as if on a leisure walk in the direction she could feel her magic. Each step was long and confident, giving the impression that she was happy. 

"Miss Lucy?" Rin called out, her voice trembling slightly. 

"Oh, I am heading to where the pervert monkey and owner are," Lucy said in a sweet, sing-song voice. "I promise nothing 'too' bad will happen, and you can come Rin darling."

It didn't take Lucy very long to reach where she could feel her magic. But the sound of angry screeching and mumbled mutters reached her ears. Behind her, Lucy could tell the others were walking at a safe distance, except InuYasha, who was still pinned under Virgo. He had upset her Spirit, and Lucy felt no inclination to tell Virgo to stop and calm down. 

"Hiyoshimaru, why did you bring those things again? Didn't you learn your lesson after you angered Miss Kagome last time?" 

The voice was definitely a man's. It showed how exasperated and confirmed what Sango said earlier. With care, Lucy stepped over the raised roots of a tree and entered the clearing. Her feet finally stepped on the soft grass as she put herself in the man's line of sight. 

"I am not Miss Kagome," Lucy said in a polite, sweet voice as she smiled at the man. "And I think that when I finish teaching a lesson about stealing from a woman, it will stick in both of your minds. 

Lucy raised her hands and cracked her knuckles as she watched the young man's face pale. The Monkey, Hiyoshimaru's eyes had gone wide as its mouth opened and closed before a single word escaped from it, "Fuck." Narrowing her eyes, Lucy gave a dry laugh as it dawned on her that the Monkey was the Spirit who had been screeching in her mind. This fact made her soul sing as her anger soared. There would be blood because right now, these two were no better than Natsu and Gray in her mind.

TBC!

It is November, thus National Novelist Writers Month (NaNoWriMo), and like the previous years, I will be solely focusing on writing nothing but Fairy Tail (FT) stories. And I am doing this because I want to finish them and get the hell out of a fandom that has become toxic. More so with the new insurgent group of fans that promote unhealthy and toxic behaviors and relationships.

Chapter Text

Humming happily, Lucy followed along the beaten path. It had been about a week since she acquired the Amethyst Key of the Monkey. Hiyoshimaru was a pervy little bastard, though when he took his human form, it had taken all she had not to burst out laughing. Then hearing him state his true name was Son Goku, Lucy had been shocked when those around her had shown him some respect. And after a quick history lesson about Son Goku, Lucy felt rather impressed and immediately thought he and Natsu would go well together. 

"Miss Lucy?" 

Smiling as she continued to hum, Lucy spun around and looked at Miroku and Shippo, the latter who called her name. Seeing their eyes grow wide was rather amusing. Lucy had decided to start wearing pants and button-up shirts with an over vest. It was a bit more decent than her booty shorts, tube-top, and knee-high combat boots. She figured it was for the best to be a bit more modest, so the situation with Lord Oda Nobunaga didn't repeat, or Amari Nobunaga. 

"Yes, Shippou?" Lucy asked as she felt her eyes crease at the corners of her smile. 

"What are you humming?" Shippou asked, his reddened cheeks partially hidden when he lowered his head. 

"Oh, this song, it is called Starlight by a band in my world called Muse," Lucy said. "It is one of my favorite songs. A bit sad, a bit romantic, a bit quirky." 

"Oh, can you sing some lyrics then?" Miroku asked. 

Giving a small nod of her head, Lucy thought of which verse to sing aloud for them. After playing the song in her head a few times, she chose the second and third verses:

' Starlight

I will be chasing starlight.

Until the end of my life.

I don't know if it's worth it anymore.

Hold you in my arms.

I just wanted to hold,

You in my arms. '

When she finished, she looked at each member of their little group and saw them all staring at her. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Lucy looked down and spun and continued to walk forward. She didn't sing very often or in public since it was partially a guilty pleasure. And she had been told her voice was horrible. 

" Nah, your voice is really nice. Maybe I should play my Shanshin as you sing? "

Lucy felt stunned at Hiyoshimaru's offer, and it caused her to stumble a little bit. She could tell that the pervy monkey was being genuine in his offer. And there was no trace of mischief in it. Though she had no idea what a Shanshin was. 

" I think that would be nice, " Lucy thought back at him.

" Deal, my busty cohort! " 

Lucy felt her eye twitch as she forced her smile to stay on her face. Lucy knew she had to get used to this Spirit's particular personality and their quirks. He was a new friend and family member. But for now, Lucy decided to let it slide off her. 

' To you who comes to seek. Do you dare to cross? Do you dare to climb? The void is the voice. The voice is in the void. I do not think you can. I dare thee to show me if you're capable. '

Lucy felt her body go stiff at the new voice echoing in her mind. It was a clear challenge and in riddle form. Narrowing her eyes, Lucy let her head turn side to side. 

"Woman, what is it now?" 

Lucy chose to ignore Sesshoumaru's question. She had repeatedly told him that she would no longer answer him if he referred to her as gender and object. That included his tone. So rolling her shoulders, Lucy tried to feel where the presence of the voice came from. It had to be another key because she had yet to encounter a human or demon in this world that could directly talk into her mind. Not with the shields she had built naturally and metaphysically. 

"Miss Lucy, is something wrong? Do you sense something that we don't? Sango asked, her voice soft and right behind Lucy. 

"Feh, that wench can't sense nothing before my and my brother," InuYasha growled, showing his clear annoyance. 

At her neck, Lucy felt a gentle pulse. It seemed the Shikon no Tama was annoyed by the irregularity of the pulses. Then again, she would be too if some arrogant jackass kept trying to steal her and wanted to make an asinine wish to bring the dead back to life. He wasn't faithful to his former partner and friend, Kagome. 

"InuYasha, did you forget that she can? I mean, she can sense the Spirits that reside in the keys," Shippou chirped, his voice showing his amusement. 

Counting down in her head, Lucy heard the chime and poof before InuYasha grunted as he was face-planted. Then Virgo was chiding that he shouldn't hit a child. 

"Shippou is correct; I heard the voice of a Spirit just now," Lucy said softly. "And it gave me a challenge in the form of another riddle." 

Turning to look at the group, Lucy pursed her lips and huffed softly. Her mind was already dissecting the riddle and trying to make heads and tails of what was said. They had been traveling west for a week now and had left the lands under Nobunaga a few days ago. 

"Then, Miss Lucy, how about you share with us so we may try to help you," Miroku said. "It can't hurt to have multiple minds trying to solve it, right?" 

Lucy couldn't help it as she laughed and nodded her head. Giving a questioning look at Sesshomaru, who took a few seconds before nodding his approval. But the group decided to make camp in the hilly plains. It was nearing dusk, and the light of the sun would quickly fade away. 

TBC!

It is November, thus National Novelist Writers Month (NaNoWriMo), and like the previous years, I will be solely focusing on writing nothing but Fairy Tail (FT) stories. And I am doing this because I want to finish them and get the hell out of a fandom that has become toxic. More so with the new insurgent group of fans that promote unhealthy and toxic behaviors and relationships.

Chapter Text

Lucy looked out over the waves as the Island came into view. Since the first time the ambiguous voice spoke to her, it had been almost half a month. The weather was starting to shift from humid and hot to damp and cool. Lucy loved the fall, but it wasn't what she wanted to be dealing with right now. The Island was named Hijiri Island, and there was a Mountain just past the lake it resided in. Lucy had asked about the Mountain, which was named Hakurei. 

She had taken in the information that the group had come there to hunt down a renegade half-demon that was collecting the shards of the Shikon no Tama. That had gotten a different explanation that had left Lucy completely stunned. Even now, she fiddled with the small pink jewel that hung from her neck. To know that it had been in the girl, Kagome's, body and was torn from her flesh by a Centipede demon was more than freaky. Then again, Lucy had seen her share of the bizarre since joining Fairy Tail. Even going to Edolas, which was her own world's mirror opposite. 

"I suggest you open your senses and check again, woman." 

Lucy turned her head enough to meet the cold, disinterested gold gaze of Sesshomaru and stuck her tongue at him. While she got no verbal reaction, she got him to narrow his eyes to show he was not pleased with her childish actions. It didn't matter to her, except that the more she traveled with him. Trained with him. Or was in close proximity to him, Lucy felt a magnetism. 

"Well, he is my son." 

"Yeah, but unlike you, he is stoic and standoffish."

"Ouch, that hurts, Lucy. Is that your way of saying I am a flirt and he is a eunuch?" 

Unable to stop herself at Toga's teasing, Lucy gave a snort-like laugh. Toga was a mix between his two children. He was strong, decisive, and powerful like Sesshomaru but looked like InuYasha and had a huge caring heart. Which at first glance, one couldn't tell with InuYasha's brash behavior. But she had to give it to him when they ended up in another fight with a gang of demons hell-bent on the Shikon no Tama. He saved her in a pinch, and that had led to them actually talking. 

Of course, she had baited him a bit by allowing Toga to come and spend some quality time. It was clear that she and InuYasha both had major issues where parents were concerned. But she figured he wasn't too bad. And she had asked Virgo about backing off on slamming InuYasha into the ground only to be shocked when her Spirit  pouted a bit. Lucy had the feeling that Virgo liked InuYasha. 

"What is funny, woman?" 

At the question from Sesshomaru, Lucy looked at him and started to snicker as her mind conjured up the image of him living a pious life as a eunuch monk. The way he shifted back ever so slightly had her body shaking as Lucy tried her best to suppress the laughter by force. It was clear his instincts were top-notch if he could somehow sense what she was thinking. And it didn't help that Toga was laughing along with her in the back of her mind. 

Giving a small shake of her head, Lucy turned her eyes back towards Hijiri Island. Deciding it would be prudent to focus on sensing that Spirit. With a deep breath and a slow exhale, Lucy opened her senses and called upon her magic the way she had been practicing with Toga and now Loke. Lucy was proud of the fact that she could call forth more of it to do as she willed. But it tired her out even more for the amount of mental control it took. 

Once Lucy was ready, she pushed outwards only to be slammed back with a wall of force. It had her stumbling where she stood in the bow of the small boat. Her lungs felt as if they had seized up like a metal band had been clamped around her ribs. There was no mistaking the force; it was pure and untainted. Lucy had believed when they told her that Hijiri Island had a living Buddha on it. But to feel it was a different matter. 

"Miss Lucy?" 

Lifting her hand and waving off Miroku, Lucy started over again. This time Lucy was more careful. She didn't push with more than ten percent of her ability. She felt more cautious when her magic brushed up against the barrier, and Lucy smiled when it didn't shove back. Instead, the pure energy seemed to swirl against her magic before following it back to her. It was a cool and ticklish sensation as it swirled all over her body before settling over the Shikon no Tama. 

Lucy didn't have to look to know that the jewel was glowing that brilliant silver-lilac color. She could feel the pulsing of the jewel as if it was talking to this pure energy. Then an old voice spoke into Lucy's mind, telling her that she could only bring one of her companions with her. And that she had to choose wisely, whether it was human, half-breed, or demon. 

When the energy vanished suddenly, Lucy let her body slowly slump to the bottom of the small boat. There was no mistaking what was not said in that message. It was then that the boat bumped up on the sandy shore of the Island. Lucy didn't even have to try, she felt the power of the key, and it had her body shuddering as if it was being frozen from the inside out.

"I can only take one of you with me," Lucy said when they started to get out of the boat. "If any more than me and one other foot here, it won't be pretty. I don't know who the voice belonged to, but it was not the Spirit. And they didn't seem to care whom I chose." 

"Feh, figures. This place gave us trouble while looking for the shards," InuYasha said. "Take my brother, best protection you can get." 

Lucy twisted her body at the waist and looked at InuYasha. He was pointedly not looking at her. But Lucy noted that the others, Sesshomaru included, were looking at him in shock. Lucy smiled and stood up on wobbly legs and gave a firm nod of her head. 

"Okay, I will take your suggestion, but only if he wants to accompany me," Lucy said. "If not, I will take you." 

Lucy pointedly let her gaze connect with Sesshomaru's when she gave her reply. The slight pink tone in the amber depths was enough to let her know she had hit his pride. With a shrug of her shoulders, Lucy checked her belt to ensure her whip was secure, as was the pouch that held her keys. Once she was satisfied, she jumped out of the boat and walked inland and to the west.

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

He was not amused with the damn woman. She had left him feeling uncomfortable on the boat when laughing, and had insulted him after his brother had offered to let him go. And now, she was fighting with two of her spirits out against lesser Spirits that had somehow found their way to the Island. And the Spirits were not amused with her being there since they were protecting what they were after. 

Sesshomaru wished he still had Tenseiga since it would allow him to send them off since they were the souls of the dead. But now, he had only Bakusaiga, which was made of his own power. Giving a low growl, Sesshomaru flicked out his Dokkuso and scattered the offending little Spirits that were trying to crawl up Lucy's body. His eyes darted to see how she was fairing with her Spirits Taurus and Scorpio. It was clear that she felt tired and worried that her skin was slowly turning a pale blue. 

Feeling more annoyed, he marched over and scooped Lucy up in one arm and hucked her over the Spirits. Enjoying the indignant squeak she gave as she glared at him. He likened her to a cat and knew she would land on her feet. Later he would deal with her anger, but getting her to that dark glowing key was more important.

When he saw her body twist and land in a low crouch right next to the object they were searching for, Sesshomaru flashed a toothy smile and decided to work off some of his irritation. Turning his back to Lucy, who was already reaching into the dark glow, he began to destroy the Spirits earnestly. He didn't feel they needed to go back to the cycle of life after crawling here. And he was less than pleased they had tried to crawl on the woman.

TBC!

It is November, thus National Novelist Writers Month (NaNoWriMo), and like the previous years, I will be solely focusing on writing nothing but Fairy Tail (FT) stories. And I am doing this because I want to finish them and get the hell out of a fandom that has become toxic. More so with the new insurgent group of fans that promote unhealthy and toxic behaviors and relationships.

Chapter Text

 The moment Lucy reached for the Key, she was surrounded by black. Everywhere she looked, there was not a speck of light. Giving a roll of her eyes, Lucy felt a small tug at her magical core. Lucy smiled as she let the tug pull a small amount of her magic from the container and let it guide her to where she hoped the Key resided. And it wasn't long before the voice spoke into her head. 

" You are either a brave or incredibly foolish mage. "

Lucy smiled as she gave the reply, " Let me take your test. Then judge me fairly. "

" Fine. "

That single word had Lucy shuddering as her images, in vivid color, began to revolve around her at an insane speed. Her eyes tried to track them and see what they were, only to feel dizzy. 

" This is my trial; face yourself. "

Lucy blinked when the images suddenly came to a halt. She recognized the room before, and it had her biting her lip. Then she was pulled into the image as it came alive. There before her on the bed was her mother, looking frail. A heaviness settled in her chest, and Lucy knew it was her heart hurting. This memory, for that, was what the images were, the day her mother died.

When her body began to move on its own, Lucy fought back. She didn't want to relive this. It was cruel. Did the Spirit mean to face the pain of her past? Her mind was swirling with so many questions as she came to a stop by the bed. Lucy felt her eyes start to burn with the unshed tears as her (now) tiny hands reached out. The moment Lucy held her mom's thin, fragile hands, she whimpered as all the pain came back. 

Her father hadn't been there, and Miss Spetto had just left the room. Lucy let her eyes meet her mother's own dull and cloudy ones. The smile that stretched lips that were pale and dry had the tears falling anew.

"There is my Lucy. Don't cry. You must be brave." 

Her mouth moved unbidden as she responded to her mother's last words. It felt as if she was being shredded from the inside out. But Lucy knew that this was a part of her past that made her stronger, a better person and mage. Yet that didn't mean that this memory didn't hurt any less. In fact, the wound would always be fresh; her mom was her best friend.

"If this is the best you can do, I am sorry," Lucy said softly as she let her mother's hand go and turned away. "I may still hurt and grieve for the loss of my mother. But it made me a stronger person." 

Lucy felt her words were a show of bravado while inside, her heartbeat slowly, in pain, from reliving it. 

"Then let's go to the next one." 

Sesshomaru felt a surge of magic that was distinctly the woman's. Turning, he saw her vanish into the black and purple glow. He narrowed his eyes as he let his Youki flow freely from his body. The effect was instantaneous as the last of the insidious Spirits vanished. Taking a few steps to the small glowing orb, Sesshomaru sat down, resting his arm on his knee.  

He was curious as to what kind of trail she would be facing. The clue had been fairly easy to decipher, though Sesshomaru had not given any help. The part about crossing and climbing had made him pause for a few seconds as his mind connected with the words about the void. There were many ways one could interpret that word. But in conjunction to climbing and crossing, he realized it meant water. The only place near enough to fit the description had been Mt. Hakurai. 

It was rather amusing watching them dissect and piece the riddles back together. A part of Sesshomaru was fascinated by how quickly the woman's mind worked. Not even his mother, with her wit and age, was that wily. Yet Sesshomaru didn't understand what the riddle meant by void is the voice. 

Letting his eyes slide shut, Sesshomaru entered a light state of meditation. He knew there was nothing he could do to help the woman. So, his only option was to wait.

Lucy gasped as she struggled through another memory; this one was newer, fresher. Her hands clenched and unclenched as she did her best not to let the memory conduct her actions. She didn't want to sacrifice Aquarius again. 

" Do you yield? You are not able to face yourself and your past actions. You have too many regrets and weaknesses. " 

Each word was a slash to her soul, yet Lucy fought against the memory more. But with each slash, Lucy felt her repressed anger build, growing in strength. This Spirit had no right to tell her that she had regrets and weaknesses. Lucy had survived, endured, and continued. She was a fucking human, for pete's sake. Lucy was not immortal like the Spirit. 

Lucy decided she wouldn't allow this to continue. This trial was a farce to hurt Lucy. Gathering her magic the way she had been taught, Lucy let it all out in a controlled explosion. The memory shattered, and the black void too vanished as a golden halo surrounded her. Slowly shifting her body, Lucy looked directly at where she felt the Spirit, who was now giving of a vibe of being surprised.

"You have no right to say I have regrets or weaknesses when I have constantly endured. Not once did I contemplate just ending my damn life, no matter how terrible it got. Every damn day was a fucking trail to keep a smile on my face and continue to walk forward as my mother taught me," Lucy snarled, her hands clenching into a tight fist. "If you want to test me, you better think about your own damn self. I think it is you who has regrets about your life and weaknesses. But if you allow me to become your friend because none of my Spirits are my tools, we can help each other be stronger in the future." 

Slowly the Key shifted to a small, petite girl who was nothing but white on white holding a mirror. Her pale eyes looked up at Lucy as the Mirror shone, reflecting Lucy's heart on it. The smile that slowly(and creepily) spread across the girl's face had Lucy relaxing.

" Fine, I will accept you," The tiny Spirit said. "I am known as Kanna of the Void. "

TBC!

It is November, thus National Novelist Writers Month (NaNoWriMo), and like the previous years, I will be solely focusing on writing nothing but Fairy Tail (FT) stories. And I am doing this because I want to finish them and get the hell out of a fandom that has become toxic. More so with the new insurgent group of fans that promote unhealthy and toxic behaviors and relationships.

Chapter Text

Lucy stood, head tilted back, looking up at Mt. Hakurai as it cast its shadow over her. She knew there was a huge shit-eating grin on her face. In her hand was clutched the Key she had just acquired. It was the Ruby Key of the Goat. The young girl had been strange and very off-putting. But now was not the time to think about that.

When she had left the black space, or void, with the Key in hand, Lucy had literally collapsed to the ground. It had been a long time since Lucy had felt such a physical drain from being overly emotional. And seeing Sesshomaru sitting there, face relaxed as if he was a statue carved from white marble and frosted with ice. She had giggled, causing his brow to twitch before his normal frown appeared on his face, and he cracked his eyes to look at her. 

Then he proceeded to make his usual snarky commentary. Lucy had just flipped him the bird as she held up the Key in her other hand proudly. Even after ten minutes had passed, Lucy's body wouldn't move. Thus the awkward situation of his silent royal highness had picked her up bridal style, making her feel uneasy. When Lucy had threatened to bite him repeatedly if he continued to carry her like that, she had her own damn pride. In the end, he helped her by supporting her around the waist with an arm over his shoulders. Their height difference had her toes barely touching the ground as her legs swung limply. 

Now, though, after crossing the lake to the shore beneath Mt. Hakurai and resting, Lucy was ready. Taking a deep breath, letting her body relax upon exhaling as she moved into the correct position. The thrum from the Ruby Key as she pulled minute amounts of magic and fed it into the Key to start the summoning. 

"I am the road that connects this world to the Celestial Realm," Lucy said as she felt her magic manifest all around her. "Open the gate of the Ruby Key of the Goat, Kanna!" 

The sudden pull drain on her magic was not as bad as it had been with Toga, Jorumaru, and Hiyoshimaru. But it still had her feeling dizzy from how quickly her first origin and half of her second were sapped. The sound of a goat bleating as the space before her distorted and darkened to black. In seconds it coalesced into the shape of a small girl, who was nothing but shades of white and holding a small mirror in her hands. 

"Hell, Lady Lucy," Kanna said, bowing her head as she smiled sweetly. 

Before Lucy could speak and ask what the terms of her contract were, a loud poof and chime echoed from behind Lucy. The latter half of her second origin was drained further. Lucy tilted her head just enough to see who had popped out and felt shocked at seeing Capricorn. 

"Father!" Kanna gasped, making Lucy feel light-headed as her eyes rolled into the back of her head.

Sesshomaru watched this all with a sense of detachment. His instincts didn't even stir when another of Naraku's incarnations manifested. Though to see the white girl, Kanna of the Void, smile sweetly up at Lucy, looking as innocent and lively as Rin was disturbing. He let his mind wander until he saw Lucy's body begin to fall backward after Kanna called the Goat Spirit Capricorn's father. 

He had been against her summoning the Spirit as soon as she could move on her own. And he was already planning on how to get back at her for threatening to bite him after trying to help by carrying her. Though he was more disturbed by the fact that he would welcome that challenge, Sesshomaru had quickly dropped her from his arms and carried her like he would another male. Though Sesshomaru still found it odd how he was once again in close proximity to the woman. 

So, when she fell backward, Sesshomaru's body moved on its own. His arms caught, causing her head to slam into his chest. His mother's words echo in his head about protecting her. It was rather annoying, but he could tell by her breathing she had temporarily fainted. Lifting his gaze to look at the two Spirits, he noted that Kanna looked surprised and highly amused. At the same time, the gaze of Capricorn was cold and calculating. He didn't appreciate that look, but with care, he lowered the woman to the ground. 

Once Sesshomaru felt satisfied she was okay, he walked back to where he had been originally standing. Ignoring the looks from the others in their group, and sat on the ground. He was only doing as his mother told him where the damnable woman was concerned. But he could feel his father's aura and looked to his left. There, his father stood staring down at him with a smug, all-knowing smile on his face. Sesshomaru didn't have to ask what that smile meant; he knew. So, arching an eyebrow before he looked away. He was not like his father; he wouldn't change even for this strange and annoying woman.

Lucy felt her eyes dart back and forth between Capricorn and Kanna. Her mind was swirling at hurricane speeds and being so overloaded she was sure that a bloody nose was imminent. But yet Lucy felt strangely happy from what she had just learned. It expanded her knowledge even further of the Spirits she loved so much. 

"Yes, well, now you know. I took Piscis Austrinus as my lover," Capricorn recounted with a fondness. "And from that, my daughter Kanna was born. She is aligned to the star Nashira in my Constellation. I was so proud and frustrated with my daughter who wanted to be a Constellation Spirit like me and her mother."

Lucy just nodded her head and accepted it as fact. That meant hundreds of years ago, Kanna (along with all the other Gem Keys) had been separated from their loved ones. Lucy found it amusing that some of them had started up new lives, while others seemed to have become pieces in a cruel game by a very evil person. But knowing she had reunited a father and daughter, who were obviously very much alike, had Lucy feeling very emotional. 

Letting her head drop so no one could see the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes, Lucy understood the meaning behind the trial. After finalizing the contract with Kanna, Lucy had gotten to see what her life had been like. How after arriving in this world that didn't have the magic to sustain her and not being one of the more powerful Gem Keys, Kanna had just waited. That time being alone, wallowing in the loss and pain, becoming a voice instead of the brilliant sun-like star she was born as, turned into a dark void. 

Lucy had the urge to find the remains (if they even existed) of that bastard that had used Kanna as a means to incarnate himself and use her as a tool for evil. It was an injustice that had the happiness in Lucy's heart fluctuating and turning to a cold rage. Knowing that her Spirits could feel her emotions, Lucy did her best to clamp down on them. 

"Hey, what kind of abilities does Miss Kanna provide Lucy?" Miroku asked, changing the topic. 

Lucy lifted her head after blinking the offending tears away. Her lips quivered into a small smile as she looked at Kanna. Who had a spark in the depths of her night-sky-black eyes? Giving a small nod of her head, Lucy indicated that Kanna could tell them if she wished. 

"My abilities include scrying, absorbing light, sound, and smell. And I can reflect a certain amount of an attack in battle. Whether it is an enemy's attack or an ally," Kanna stated softly. "But I don't like to be in battle. It is not my forte, unlike my father." 

Lucy felt contentment and pride flow through the link she shared with Kanna and Capricorn. She also felt the love between them. Already Lucy could tell that Kanna was a Daddy's lil girl. Lucy had talked in depth with Kanna through the mental link bout the amount she could absorb and reflect. So using Urano Metrio was not an option. 

"You said scry?" Miroku asked, showing his interest. "Does that mean you can help us find the other Gem Keys for Miss Lucy?" 

Silence hung in the air at the question. Lucy wondered just why Miroku liked to play this game? He was obviously an intellectual who was good at manipulating the situation around him for his benefit. But being obvious and subtle at the same time while mining for information. 

"Yes and no," Kanna said concisely. Her dark gaze became cold and withdrawn, making it clear she wouldn't answer more. 

Lucy snuck a peek at Miroku, who pouted but graciously nodded his head in acceptance of her unspoken refusal. This question was something Lucy had asked Kanna as well. Kanna had explained that she could point her in a general direction, but not the actual location. Each Key was a house for a Sentient Being that should be respected. And each Key would hold a trial for Lucy. 

TBC!

It is November, thus National Novelist Writers Month (NaNoWriMo), and like the previous years, I will be solely focusing on writing nothing but Fairy Tail (FT) stories. And I am doing this because I want to finish them and get the hell out of a fandom that has become toxic. More so with the new insurgent group of fans that promote unhealthy and toxic behaviors and relationships.

Chapter Text

"Yeah, it took almost a full year to gather all the shards of the Shikon no Tama," Miroku regaled, his lips quirking into a sad smile. "Lady Kagome was just shy of her sixteenth birthday when she jumped down the well after the final battle. She had promised to return in three years after finishing High School to appease her mother." 

Lucy felt shocked and astounded as her hands came up and clasped the Shikon no Tama. That strange warmth it gave off instantly tickled the palms of her hands. She had been curious, so she asked for information about the jewel she now was Guardian over. Hearing all the woes and trials that a girl from the future (by 500 years or so) had gone through. Lucy could relate; she had experienced something similar, yet not. 

"Miss Lucy?" Miroku called out to her, making Lucy look at him and smile sadly. "You look to be around Lady Kagome's age. You are sixteen or so?" 

Under normal circumstances, Lucy would feel offended at someone(especially a guy) asking her age. It was considered rude and offensive. Letting her eyes dart to Sango, Lucy realized it was the same here. But Lucy couldn't help the light laugh that escaped her twitching lips. 

"You are so kind to say that," Lucy said, letting her voice turn impish. "I am twenty-five. I had my birthday on the seventh day of the seventh month. Which was shortly after I arrived here." 

Lucy enjoyed the way everyone came to a halt and stared with eyes wide open at her. She could understand their disbelief because she had encountered it a lot in her world when she wrote her age down on the mission acceptance application for Clients, and they saw her. It amazed Lucy how spacey (and this was putting it politely in her mind) her fellow Earthlanders could be. They seemed to forget that the core members of Fairy Tail had gone missing for seven years. 

"Feh," InuYasha hissed. "She isn't lying. In fact, she is really amused." 

"You know, in most cultures, it is rude to sniff someone," Lucy chirped, flashing a toothy smile at InuYasha. Enjoying how his ears laid flat against his skull. "But yes, I am amused. It is something I am used to.' 

"Can you tell us how you look so young and are so much older?" Miroku asked, his purple eyes glinting in the firelight. 

Lucy narrowed her eyes at how he phrased his question. This man was going for broke by being rude while acting as if he wasn't. Lucy wanted to go over to him and kick him hard on the chest. But she knew that her strength was much different than him. Lucy had come to terms with her body being more physically fit and like InuYasha's than a normal human's. Lucy attributed that to both her magic and the crazy shit she had survived while being a part of Fairy Tail. 

"Sure, but I doubt you'll believe me," Lucy said, her eyes dropping to look at the flicking flames. 

"Woman, tell us and let us judge for ourselves," Sesshomaru spoke up, shocking Lucy, though she never looked from the fire.

"Fine," Lucy said. She felt a small tremor in her heart. "Nine years ago, I was selected to take what is called the 'S' Class Mage Trials. It is something that happens every year in each of the Light Guilds of Fiore. This competition is a way for registered mages in the Guilds to go up a rank. And each person is chosen based on how they perform through the year. I was the partner of one of the chosen." 

Lucy paused and looked at everyone, waiting in case they might have questions. When all eyes stared intently at her, Lucy nodded her head. 

"Well, we went to Tenrou Island, which is exclusive to my Guild Fairy Tail requires three trials to pass. Each requiring a different type of strength. The first was physical, as we had to get from the ship we sailed on to the shore. It was several mines. We could swim, Island, or any other method to get to the island," Lucy said. She felt her lips pull up into a smile as she recalled the memories with clarity. "The second trail was there waiting for us. Each pair had to enter a different cave and follow the trail in it to the other side. Inside, the caves wove like an ant's nest. Two of the routes would be dead ends; a few had some 'S' Class mages you had to fight to pass from our Guild. And if you couldn't, you failed. And others connected to battle the chosen teams. I ended up in a battle against another team and won." 

Lucy let out a small sigh as she recalled how Freed had more or less thrown the battle for Canna because of the Fantasia incident. But it was hilarious nonetheless since he pretended to faint from a nose bleed due to a scantily clad woman. It was so obvious because his own teammate was a busty woman who wore a strapless short green dress that was barely legal on the streets. 

"Miss Lucy?" 

Blinking her eyes and pulling herself from her memories, Lucy looked at Shippou, whose green eyes were wide. The undisguised curiosity and fascination were heartwarming. 

"Ah, sorry, wool-gathering," Lucy chuckled and shook her head. "Anyways, the third trial was to find the Altar on the Island using a Clue given by our Guild Master. Who I am sure, you, Miroku would get along with very well. You two share a similar quirk and hobby."

At her statement, Miroku looked confused. However, Lucy saw that the others got her meaning right away. Poor Sango frowned and rolled her eyes as her hand crept out and grasped Miroku's hand and squeezed it. The faint blush that crept across the man's face had Lucy pressing her lip into a thin line and coughing.

"Continue, woman," Sesshomaru commanded. Lucy glanced at him and saw his eyes glinting with interest. 

"Ah, well, I figured out the clue fairly easily," Lucy said. "But we were attacked by a Dark Guild that was run by a former member of Fairy Tail. Not only that, we found out a powerful Dark Mage was on the Island. The whole situation was a fuck all, with us on the losing side. At least until another former member of our Guild arrived. Then hell broke loose. The black apocalypse attacked us Dragon, Acnologia. To save us, the Soul of our First Guild Master of Fairy Tail awoke and guided us through the third sacred magic of Fairy Tail. It put all of the members of Fairy Tail into a state of suspended animation and caused Tenrou Island to vanish. It took seven years before we were able to wake up and return to our daily lives." 

Lucy felt her heart seemingly beat slower in her chest. She felt sad, and the feeling of missing her Guild Mates and adoptive family rose unbidden. Lifting her hand, Lucy rubbed at her chest as her vision started to blur due to tears. It made her really want to find all the Keys and return home. She could only imagine the chaos caused by her disappearance. And that poor shopkeeper must be catching hell from her teammates.

  Sesshomaru listened to the story Lucy was telling. He found it fascinating, and it made her curious. He would not deny that Lucy was stronger than a normal human in many ways. Though she had a unique and alluring scent, she was still a human and beneath him. Sesshomaru felt unease as he watched her face shift from one emotion to the next. 

A part of him was curious how they decided strength in her world? What made one stronger? Was it based solely on their magic? Did physical abilities play into it? There was a clear need for intelligence, more so by how she talked about the trials set. Each made a person think and adapt to a situation. It held promise, and only the strong would survive. He had learned that there was more than just physical strength. Sesshomaru had learned from the Miko that one had to know when and where to use their strength. That a person's pride could blind them, making them weaker. 

When Lucy mentioned magic that put them in suspended animation, or a type of deep sleep one didn't age from, he recalled something similar with the elder demons. However, the part about the Dragon of Apocalypse left a foul taste on the back of his tongue. He detested dragons greatly. It was one that took his father away, using his weakness against him. A weakness that Sesshomaru now understood, having accepted his half-brother and Rin. 

" You have grown, pup. " 

Not reacting to his father talking directly into his mind. Sesshomaru watched as Lucy became forlorn. It was clear she missed her world and those she was close to. They were her pack. He had noticed a while ago that her smell would change as it had now when she was being melancholy with their memories.

" It is only natural, pup, " His father said, sighing. " That young woman places a lot of value on those she cares for. She sacrificed something near and dear to her at one point to protect them. One of her Golden Zodiac Keys, to summon the King of the Celestial Realm. "

Sesshomaru found it astounding. To know that Lucy would sacrifice something she held sacred. That was an honor not many humans could understand or accomplish. Sesshomaru knew he couldn't do what she did to protect what was precious to him. Or at least not in the past. It made him realize how much he had changed. Though he was still the same and indifferent, Sesshomaru knew he would fight to the death to protect Rin, Jakken, and those he now held as a pack, including his brother. 

" Yes, Pup, " His father said. " You have grown into a fine lord and leader. I can find little fault with you. " 

Sesshomaru felt proud and insulted at his father's words, " And what fault can you find with this Sesshomaru? "

He knew the moment he asked his father that he shouldn't have. A cold chill ran down his back. 

" That you haven't taken a mate and bore a child of your own, " his father stated before the mental connection was snapped.

It took all his self-control not to growl. This topic was one of the taboos and forbidden ones. And his father was not one to mince words. Standing up, Sesshomaru left the group to go to work out of his sudden frustration.

Large Brown eyes watched in wonder as Lucy explained the Tenrou Island situation to the eclectic group. The soft flutter of tiny wings flapping as the tiny person stayed hidden. Some of them wanted to go out and introduce themselves to the group, especially Lucy. But their job was just to observe the progress. It really sucked. But Mai would do as her Mistress Kagome had instructed her. 

Though, if Mai had a choice, she would interfere to help instead. The Celestial Mage was very much like her mother, Layla. It had been many, many years since Layla had come to the Eclipse Gate to check it and found both Mai and Mistress Kagome, who had tumbled out of it that fateful day. It was the day that the Gods had chosen the pregnant woman's child to save the second Zodiac Keys. And also to be the new Guardian of the Shikon no Tama.

Mai knew it was a heavy burden and that Mistress Kagome had borne it on her own. Fate was a cruel mistress. But Mai knew that once Lucy had done what she was doing, a gate would be created between the two worlds, and time would be wound back for Kagome. Then she hoped that Mistress Kagome would be able to live her life as she chose either in Earthland or on Earth. 

TBC!

It is November, thus National Novelist Writers Month (NaNoWriMo), and like the previous years, I will be solely focusing on writing nothing but Fairy Tail (FT) stories. And I am doing this because I want to finish them and get the hell out of a fandom that has become toxic. More so with the new insurgent group of fans that promote unhealthy and toxic behaviors and relationships.

Chapter Text

Lucy pressed her lips into a fine line to keep from squealing loudly in delight. She had been carried many ways in her lifetime. From the Fireman carry over the shoulders to the princess carry. But this was the first time she had felt a thrill from being carried piggy-back style. Nope, she loved this so damn much and was slightly envious of Kagome, who got to experience this daily. 

Shortly after acquiring Kanna of the Void, her Ruby Key of the Goat, Lucy had requested a small four-day break. She had wanted to rest, meditate, and get acquainted with each of the new Keys. Allowing her to cement her bond with them, as well as learn to use them more efficiently. A part of her was still sad that she couldn't 'Star Dress Equip' with them. But the other benefits she received were just as good. 

Now though three weeks later, after Kanna had directed them back south, they had hit a rough spot. The weather was changing rapidly, and the terrain was getting rather rocky and mountainous. And traveling by foot was becoming harder and harder. Lucy, of course, understood that they had to move quickly since she could sense the Key as they got closer to the mountains. 

And because of that, it was decided that InuYasha would carry her on his back as he did with Kagome. Their friendship was still tentative at best. But he hadn't been opposed to it after having his father, Toga, pop out and tell him he was disappointed by his lack of courtesy to a woman. Lucy had rolled her eyes at this and did want to push the issue if he was uncomfortable with that level of skinship. Only to have Sesshomaru look absolutely devilish and suggest that InuYasha carry Miroku like that so Lucy could ride Kirara with Sango. 

Which led to Lucy enjoying the feel of her stomach jumping up in her throat whenever InuYasha came did a controlled landing before springing to the next tree branch or rocky outcrop. Lucy couldn't help the thrill of excitement that was making her blood pumping through her veins. She needed to laugh aloud yet knew it could hurt InuYasha's sensitive ears. So, when he started to arc down for the next landing, Lucy buried her face into his back and giggled into his hair. Her hands gripped his shoulders a little harder when she felt him stiffen and lightly dig his nails into her thighs. 

"Sorry," Lucy whispered once she finished her giggling. "This is a thrill. And so fun. I feel safe with you, InuYasha." 

She spoke softly so only InuYasha could hear. Though Lucy was sure, Sesshomaru and Shippo heard her. Especially since she now felt a heavy gaze directed at her. 

"Feh," InuYasha grunted at her. "If you say so." 

Lucy didn't have to see his face to know he was probably rather embarrassed. That was something else she had come to notice about InuYasha, and he had very tsundere tendencies when complimented. It was adorable and made her want to tease him, but that wouldn't do good. In the past few days, they'd talked a bit more, and Lucy had learned a bit about his childhood and the prejudice he had suffered for being a half-breed. 

"I do say so," Lucy said as she buried her face in his hair to giggle again on their descent.

He walked around the perimeter that had been established outside the cave. They'd traveled a fair distance since dawn, even with the wind and rain beating down. Sesshomaru was familiar with this area, so he knew of the many caves in this area. He felt restless. It bothered him that he was feeling like this. Then again, Sesshomaru hadn't liked the fact that the woman was bonding with his little brother. 

Narrowing his eyes as he looked out into the darkness of the night, letting the rain soak him, Sesshomaru forced his thoughts away. He had chosen to be on guard for the night since InuYasha had carried the woman's weight all day. And he wanted to keep a distance between him and that woman, and she was annoying and very distracting with her magic and strange mannerisms. 

"Lord Sesshomaru, I have your portion of or repast." 

Turning his head slightly, Sesshomaru looked at Miroku. He could tell that the monk had something to say by the faint glint in his eyes. Giving a nod of his head as he held out a hand, Sesshomaru ate silently. 

"I find that Miss Lucy is similar to Kagome," Miroku said softly. "She has a personality that slowly draws people to her and opens them up. But at the same time, she is very different from Lady Kagome." 

Sesshomaru paused between bites and glanced at the monk from the corner of his eyes. He agreed that she was both similar and different from Miko. 

"I wonder, though," Miroku said, his eyes narrowing as he too looked to the darkness of the night. "Miss Lucy seems to have been sent here for a very clear purpose. But I can't help but feel that there is more to it. Even then, she might know? And after it is all said and done, will she go back to her world?" 

Sesshomaru blinked his eyes passively as he felt his body stiffen slightly. This question wasn't something he hadn't given any thought to previously. But now that it was being brought up, he didn't want to think about it. Why he didn't want to think about it, Sesshomaru couldn't say as he didn't know. 

"Hn," was all the reply Sesshomaru gave to Miroku. 

"Well, do please enjoy the meal," Miroku said, his lips curling slightly. "Miss Lucy's spirit Virgo made it for us."

TBC!

Chapter Text

Lucy stood straight, to full height with her head tilted to look at the tall Pig Demons before her. She hadn't a clue that the Key she was searching for would be right before her and a former acquaintance to several of the people she traveled with. In fact, Lucy was forcing herself not to roll her eyes at the situation and melodrama. Then again, the lewd look the Pig was giving her wasn't new either. But the killing aura coming from here behind her was. 

"You are the one I have been feeling, and while you are beautiful with a nice body, I ain't givin' ya shit girlie," The pig demon said, giving a deep laugh at her. 

Arching an eyebrow and crossing her arms under her breast, Lucy didn't even bother reacting. She was used to arrogant chauvinists like this. Reacting would only stroke their ego and goad them on. She didn't think it was worth giving him what he wanted. But then again, he was one of the Keys. And it was obvious which one, the Key of the Boar. 

"What, you're too timid to respond?" The Pig Demon goaded her. "This right here is proof you are weak. Though, if ya amuse me, you can be a part of my divine harem. I even have a pretty circlet that will look gorgeous on that golden hair of yours."

Lucy blinked slowly, opening her mouth and yawning. If he wanted to play the game, he better be able to take what she was about to dish back. 

"The hell!" The Pig Demon yelled in shock at her reaction. "I, the Great Chokyukai, will not take this from a mere mortal woman." 

At his quick outburst, Lucy smiled. This Pig Demon, Chokyukai, face was slowly turning red with indignation. Not wanting to lose her momentum Lucy shifted herself to a more comfortable position. 

"I am no mere mortal woman, you posturing piglet," She said, feeling the smile on her lips pull higher. "And only an ignorant weakling calls another weak without having any proof. So, I throw the gauntlet. Pick a challenge and face me directly, you Pig." 

The killing intent at her back practically vanished as gasp and smothered giggling came from not just behind Lucy but also behind Chokyukai. And the way his face continued to grow a darker shade of red steadily, had Lucy wanted spiced, roasted boar for dinner. And her thoughts must have reflected in her eyes as a wariness crept into the dark, black beads this Demon called eyes. 

"Fine. I, the Great Chokyukai, accept," Chokyukai declared. "And I choose a drinking contest. I doubt you can handle liquor, little woman. If I win, you are my woman. If you win, which is impossible, I will submit my Key to you willingly." 

Lucy preened as she spoke, "You all heard him. If I win, he has to submit. This challenge is one of honor now. Witnessed by my group and the Demon Clan at the Yoro Caves!" 

A loud cacophony of grunts, growls, and howls erupted all around from the Demons who had watched the spectacle. Agreement was loudly stated behind her from her group. Lucy had never been more glad at that moment; she was a member of Fairy Tail and best friends with Cana Alberone. 

Sesshomaru stared in shock. It had been several hours and many bottles of sake since the challenge had started. He was a bit beside himself in shock. There was no way this tiny human woman could put away this much alcohol and not be affected. Yet his eyes did not deceive him. And he didn't have to look around to know that everyone else was thinking the same thing as him. 

"Are you done yet?" Lucy openly goaded Chokyukai. Her lips twitched in mirth. "I mean, I can keep going. I am just now starting to feel a bit buzzed."

"I, I a-am f-fine," Chokyukai slurred as his dark eyes glazed over. "Keep the sake coming!" 

Sesshomaru wondered how the woman was even able to drink like this. It shouldn't be possible for a human, let alone a woman, to-go cup for cup. And with a Demon, no less. He was damn sure his mother would have bowed out a while ago. 

"This is nothing for her." 

His body tensed from the soft voice that came from his side. Sesshomaru hadn't felt the presence of anyone until then. Slanting his eyes to the side, he saw the Spirit called Loke, or was it, Leo, standing there looking smug. Sesshomaru couldn't help the way his nose scrunched up at the smell of cat wafting off the Spirit. But he was intrigued. So, he just gave his trademark ' hn ' to indicate he heard and the Spirit should expound on.

The slight lift of the Spirits lips as he responded was telling, "Our world is a lot different from yours. Yes, there is social classism practiced. The country Lucy hails from is run by a Princess who will be Queen soon enough. And the Guild Lucy and I belong to are known for their rowdy parties and brawls. In fact, one of Lucy's best friends is a certified lush. Cana can down up to ten barrels of whiskey a day. Lucy, over the years, has learned to keep up. Then again, her tolerance was strong, thanks to being a Noble's daughter. All those soriees with champagne and wine can add up." 

Sesshomaru said nothing as he tucked this information away. His eyes were still stuck on Lucy, who was cackling as Chokyukai swayed where he sat. There was no mistaking it; the challenge was almost at its end. And there, her face flushed and eyes bright, sat Lucy looking calm and still ready to drink more.

Lucy stood up, her body tilting precariously to the side as she looked down at the unconscious Pig Demon. Letting her head fall backward, she let out a loud happy laugh. It was her win. When she got back to Earthland, she would pay for the finest top shelf, gold label for Cana. Who would have thought all those binge nights would benefit her. Yes, Lucy was more than tipsy; she was almost three sheets to the wind. And that meant she would feel it tomorrow. 

Turning to look at the group, Lucy saw the astonished faces as they looked at her. However, it was the stoic Demon Lord who had her raising and wiggling her eyebrows. When he didn't frown at her but looked rather contemplative, Lucy shrugged and turned her attention to Loke. The faint smile on his lips had her feeling suspicious. But figuring she could ask later, with a clearer mind, what he was doing by Lord Stick up his ass. 

Lucy shifted her attention to the Demons of the Yoro Caves and spoke, "You all bore witness. I won. When your boss dude wakes up, let him know he cannot break his word about the challenge. If he does, he will know the real price he has to pay. A Celestial's word is its bond." 

The words were clear, and none could refute them. So when Lucy noticed they all either hung their heads or nodded acceptance, Lucy flashed them a bright smile. Then, closing her eyes, she felt gravity do its job as she allowed herself to pass out and sleep it all off. 

TBC!

It is November, thus National Novelist Writers Month (NaNoWriMo), and like the previous years, I will be solely focusing on writing nothing but Fairy Tail (FT) stories. And I am doing this because I want to finish them and get the hell out of a fandom that has become toxic. More so with the new insurgent group of fans that promote unhealthy and toxic behaviors and relationships.

Chapter Text

Lucy felt as if her body was floating in nothing. All around her, she could only see small dots flicker tauntingly. With care, Lucy reached out a hand to touch the nearest as it seemingly traveled past her. Only to stop when soft, amused laughter filled her ears. With a slow, cat-like blink, Lucy turned her head away from the glowing dot to try and spot who laughed. 

"It has been a little while, Lucy Heartfilia." 

Lucy felt her jaw drop open as she stared into a pair of vivid sapphire-hued eyes. Eyes that sparkled with unrestrained mirth as they watched her. 

"Kagome, right?" Lucy asked. "Or should I say the Mistress of that little shop who sold me the Shikon no Tama?"

The slight bob the petite, teenage-looking girl gave of her head had raven locks swishing to and fro. It was definitely a thing to see as Lucy got her confirmation.

"You are not mad, are you?" Kagome asked. 

"No, not really," Lucy replied. "Though I have been on a hell of an adventure thanks to this. Though, I do miss my friends and family." 

"Ah," Kagome said. Her eyes darkened a little in understanding. 

Silence hung around them as Lucy waited. Her mind suddenly realized what was going on. This place was and was not a dream. It had only been a day since she had woken up after beating Chokyukai. When everyone banded behind her when Lucy announced she had won the challenge, he had entered a contract with her. And boy,  Lucy had been shocked when she had learned what abilities the Key of the Pig, which was a rich blue lapis lazuli, were. 

It was why she was here now while sleeping. The key didn't grant strength or fighting ability. Nope, Chokyukai came from another continent, and it granted a special type of travel if the conditions were met. So, now in a realm between all realms (That wasn't purgatory), Lucy was able to converse with the Shikon no Tama's original owner. Chokyukai had warned her against touching the little flecks of light, though it was very tempting, as they were gateways to other worlds. 

"Kagome, what have you been doing in Earthland since I left? How much time has passed? Did my teammates cause you problems?" Lucy finally blurted out everything she wanted to know in a rush. 

The soft laugh that came before Kagome responded to her questions, "What I have always been doing, though now my time has reset to what it was when I first arrived in Earthland in front of the Eclipse Gate and met your mother who had yet to meet your father. As for the time, the same amount you have been in my world has passed here. They run along the same time path, actually as for your team, uh, yeah a little bit. But after compressing my Horiki and smacking the two boys down, I had a long chat with Erza. Who had tied and gagged them. However, I want to skin a blue flying cat. I. Am. Not. Fat!" 

Lucy felt her eyebrows try to climb to the roots of her hair. She felt relieved to hear what Kagome had to say. However, Lucy laughed at Kagome mostly because she sympathized with her about Happy's constant need to insult. He was often a little blue troll that could fly out of one's reach. 

"So they are taking care of you then? And how did your time get reset if you met my mom before she met my father?" Lucy asked. Her inner sleuth was perking up and feeling very inquisitive at the moment.

"Ah, yeah, they are. Fairy Tail is always rambunctious! Never a dull moment, and everyone is pretty easy to get along with," Kagome said as her lips twitched at the corners. "And to answer that doozy of a question. Well, simply put, it is the Shikon no Tama, Midoriko, and the Gods giving me a second chance to live my life for myself. Though I am sure the Church in Magnolia doesn't believe I am a Mage who can heal. And if they keep sniffing around, Laxus might end up making an enemy of the whole Church community to keep me from being forced to priestess or sainthood.

Lucy groaned openly at that as she rolled her eyes. She had never been a religious person, to begin with. Most Nobles were since they didn't care for Magic and Mages, to start with, except to use and abuse them. And the Church was a stick in the mud that held back society in being more open-minded.

"Yeah, the Churches are old and stodgy like that," Lucy quipped. "But Laxus isn't a bad guy once you get to know him." 

"Oh, I agree with you about Laxus. He is all gruff and burly and angsty on the outside," Lucy said. "But he cares so much about those in the Guild it is all kinds of sweet and mushy on the inside. But heavens forbid you to call that giant of a  man on it. ZAP! BAM! And you are on the ground twitching from an electrical overload." 

Lucy watched as Kagome hugged her waist and laughed uncontrollably. There was no denying her words; they were true. Once Kagome regained her senses, Lucy could tell she wanted to speak. Giving a small nod, Lucy waited. 

"Can you pass on a message or two for me? I mean, I'm sure most have adapted and adjusted like you said," Kagome said slowly. "But I  don't doubt they'd be more relieved to hear from me about my wellbeing." 

Lucy smiled. She understood completely and had intended to ask Kagome the same thing.

The smiles on everyone (sans Sesshomaru) had Lucy smiling widely. Though internally, Lucy was sweating. She knew it wouldn't take long for someone to ask her to use her new key to communicate with Kagome often. But Choyukai had been clear about his terms while they had worked out the conditions of their contract. 

"Hey, if you can contact the wench now, then I want to talk to her daily," InuYasha outright demanded as if he knew her thoughts. 

Lucy wasn't surprised he had been the first to ask (demand) this of her. She had figured it would either be him or Shippo. 

"InuYasha, don't be rude," Sango snapped before Lucy could even reply. 

"Sango's right," Miroku said softly. "Lucy's Spirit Crux gave us all a lesson on her magic. Each Spirit creates a unique contract with her. And it depends entirely upon what Choyukai has requested of Lucy. So, I doubt she can use it every day." 

Feeling stunned, Lucy looked at both Sango and Miroku. Her eyes were conveying her thanks silently. Earning a knowing and understanding look from them. 

"Feh," InuYasha grumped. "Then I want to talk to Kagome as often as she is permitted to use the Keys damn ability. No, if and or buts!" 

Narrowing her eyes, Lucy let her breath hiss between her lips.

"No," She said as she stood up and glared at InuYasha. 

"You don't get to say no," InuYasha growled back at her, clearly trying to intimidate her. 

Arching an eyebrow as she smiled, Lucy flipped a double bird at InuYasha. She enjoyed the shock and rage that warred across his face. At the same time, doing her best to ignore the gasp from the others in the group. 

"Actually, I do, you selfish, egotistical, spoiled pup!" Lucy said in a honey-sweet voice. "It's my magic. My body. My time. And my Spirits are not tools to be used and abused. They are thinking and feeling individuals like you. So go fuck yourself!"

 Her anger had reached the boiling point. Lucy turned and marched away from the camp and group. Lucy couldn't be near the idiot any longer. Letting her hand drop, she sent a silent request to Toga to deal with his son. At the same time, she took time to herself to calm down.

He felt irritation at his brother's words and actions. It was a seemingly never-ending struggle. But as Sesshomaru followed the woman, he felt his father's presence before a yelp of pain echoed in the night air. Sesshomaru felt his lips twist into a dark smirk. He knew how painful those thumps and hits could be.

His ears pricked at the sound of inventive cursing, followed by the sound of wood breaking. Sesshomaru felt his interest piqued as he came to a halt. There in the clearing before him was the woman, times two? And the two versions were sparring without any reservations. It had him staring with rapt interest and fascination at how quick, decisive, and brutal the sparring match was. 

TBC!

Chapter Text

  The sound of teeth grinding echoed in Lucy's head. She was (again) pissed. It had been a week since she had talked to Kagome. InuYasha was still being a salty, petty brat demanding she let him speak to Kagome (or the wench as he called her so rudely). Even after obtaining permission from Choyukai to divulge parts of their contract. But it seemed that the jerk didn't want to understand. Hell, his father had knocked him down a few pegs and InuYasha didn't accept that either. 

"Hime, may I talk with the Hanyo, InuYasha?" Virgo asked through their link. "I think I can convince him." 

Lucy felt a chill crawl down her spine at the tone Virgo used. She was well aware that each of her Spirits (new and old) were upset that InuYasha was stressing her. Sighing internally as she let her head rest back against the stones of the hot spring. Lucy hesitantly gave consent as long as Virgo didn't harm the idiot (too much).

Lucy stared up at the night sky, her eyes instantly picking out various constellations. It was still amazing how similar the skies of this world and Earthland were. It was a small comfort Lucy had found.

"Lucy, are you okay?"

Blinking, Lucy looked over at Sango. She let a small smile curl her lips as she hummed that she was. 

"I'm sorry about InuYasha. He's very..." Sango said, only to trail off.

Lucy understood perfectly. Allowing a wry chuckle to escape, Lucy let her eyes roll back up to the night sky. 

"I get it," Lucy finally said. "Natsu can be the same invasive, pushy, demanding, childish, stubborn idiot. But he is someone who will go to great lengths to protect what he cherishes. The only difference is Natsu had the Guild to raise him, while InuYasha was abandoned, alone, and treated with extreme prejudice. So the complex is deeply rooted. Because I doubt he looks his actual age as a half-demon." 

The quiet gasp from Sango told Lucy she'd hit the nail on the head. A part of her sympathized with InuYasha, but the other wanted to tear him into little pieces. He was a grown-ass man who used his past to get what he wanted. Nope. Lucy wasn't going to have it or play his little game.

"Hime, I'm done. He will not be bothering you for a while!"

Lucy couldn't suppress the shudder at how sweet, giddy, and content Virgo sounded. But she refused to ask and sent Virgo a quick surge of emotion to say thanks.

He watched silently, eyes tracking each step. The night he had followed the woman had been an eye-opener. Seeing her fight herself, constantly adapting in seconds, gave way to respect. Not that Sesshomaru would tell her. No. But it also let him know why she could handle herself when he trained her.

There was no mistaking how battle-hardened she was. Nor the keen intellect she hid. Sesshomaru felt the urge to stop and spar with her. To see if he could provoke her to the limits she'd shown that night. Their travel had led them south and east. His nose could already smell the tang of water in the air. However, they were still (at least) three days from the Yudanaka River. The terrain would soon change, becoming damp, grassy, sanding, and rocky in varying stages. 

"If you stare any harder, I might burst into flames." 

Sesshomaru started, blinking slowly at the woman. Her words were spoken in a playful jest as he met her hooded gaze. Curling his upper lip and barring a single fang in answer. Earning a quick roll of her eyes before she turned her back to him.

His instincts clamored. He was a predator. This caused Sesshomaru to frown and fight back the urge to show the woman how foolish showing her back to him was.

Lucy couldn't understand what was up with Sesshomaru. The past two days, he'd been staring at her. Hell, Lucy was sure he hadn't been aware of it. Hence why she had turned around and finally said something. Though this response was to 'try' and intimidate her. If she had her way, Lucy would ask to spar. She still needed to vent. The impromptu with Gemini had only given a momentary patch for her mood. But InuYasha was still aggravating, though not as bad. And to make it stranger, he stared as if he was waiting for something to happen with his half-hearted attempts to piss her off.

Lucy really didn't want to think about it. Or that it might have something to do with Virgo? Feeling a chill crawl down her back (again), Lucy slammed her train of thoughts into a mental metal box, locked it up, and chose to forget them. 

"Miss Lucy, I feel a body of water a bit away." 

Smiling at Pixis' words as she blinked and looked around. The terrain had been subtly changing, indicating there could be water. 

"Thank you, Pixis," Lucy replied. "Which direction?" 

"Keep continuing south and east," Pixis quipped cheerily. "Also, I suggest sending for the Spirit." 

Humming, Lucy stopped walking and opened her senses. Drawing upon her stores, pulling out a small drop. Her mind imagined it expanding to a large square with faint images appearing. This was the trick Toga taught that she liked. On the partial map, a small red dot appeared. It was still before suddenly rushing rapidly to the east. 

Her senses tingled as raw power slammed against her mind. It had her body physically staggering back. The Spirit was aware of her and was not pleased. It was a clear warning she'd have to fight. 

Lucy pursed her lips, turned to look at Sesshomaru, and flashed him a wide, toothy smile before speaking, "Let's spar!" 

TBC!

Chapter Text

Eyes narrowed, lips twisted into a grimace as water and mud dripped from her bangs and nose. Her hands were frozen and cramping, but somehow Lucy was still holding on. And for dear life no less. But Lucy could tell that Entai was just as exhausted as she was.

0 0 0 0 0

Loud gasps came from the group as they reached the river's edge. A large, white horse stood there staring at them from in front of a large herd. Its clear and bright eyes showed it was exceptionally intelligent and hostile. Lucy knew that this was the Spirit. But the Spirit had her a bit scared since the few experiences she had with horses were less than pleasant. 

But when a strong voice resonated in the back of her head, Lucy let her gaze meet the giant white horses. Forcing the insidious creeping fear back into the pit of her stomach.

"So, you've come," The voice a deep rumble like thunder. "I do not want to be bound again to my key by a weak owner. I enjoy the freedom given by falling from grace after arriving here. Being demonic is preferable to being a slave to a master."

Lucy felt stunned at what she'd just been told. Pieces of a puzzle clicked into place. The picture was a story of many layers. She had not given it any thought that each Spirit she'd encountered so far was a demon (or something similar). Nor had Lucy ever considered what would happen to a Spirit if it fell. 

"Human, if you really wish to own my Key, then overpower me," The voice rumbled again. Its tone was openly mocking Lucy, implying she was too weak to do so. "You can choose one of the Celestial Spirits to help you. But you must choose before I tell you what my challenge is." 

A small part of Lucy screamed in indignation at how unfair this was. At the same time, the logical side took what had been said, breaking it down piece by piece, word by word, until Lucy felt a cold smile curl her lips. 

"I choose Taurus," Lucy said in a calm tone. Her hand was already reaching into her pouch to grab said key. 

When the eyes of the giant horse narrowed, Lucy knew that this Spirit turned demon wasn't happy with her choice. Then waited as it proceeded to lay out his challenge.

0 0 0 0 0

Shifting her body again, Lucy pressed her thighs tightly to Entei's flanks as her fisted hands twisted in his glorious mane. Her eyes glinted and narrowed as she gritted her teeth. Lucy used her last joined strength with Taurus (in star dress mode). Her arm pulled back, yanking Entei's head to the right while her body leaned to the left.

It was seconds later the white body under her buckled and tumbled down into the rocky shallows of the Yudanaka River. Heaving breathing that could be either hers or the Fallen Spirits reached her ears as the adrenaline pumping through Lucy's veins began to fade. Allowing Lucy to feel exactly how cold she was.

"You win, I submit myself to you Celestial Mage, Lucy Heartfilia," Entai whickered aloud for all to hear. "Your tenacity is as bad as your ancestor, Anna Heartfilia. I bequeath unto you my Sapphire Key. Give me an hour to recoup and we can discuss the terms of our contract." 

Eyes blinking sluggishly, Lucy found herself sitting in the freeze waters of the river holding her new key. She let a smile appear and light up her face; Lucy hugged the key to her chest. Silently she thanked Entai and released her star dress equip with Taurus. Who mooed and lifted her after appearing. Lucy leaned her head against Taurus' shoulder, glad he made no pervy comments for once.

He had been shocked to see Entai. Though Sesshomaru was left speechless when the woman had shifted into something she called 'star dress equip' with the minotaur Spirit she called Taurus. If he had thought her usual clothes were indecent (more so than the miko Kagome's) before he found his opinion changed. 

Yet the raw power and strength she suddenly exuded had been an eye-opener (yet again). As Sesshomaru watched her continue to stay mounted on Entai; he approved of her choice in Spirits. However, he'd deny (if anyone dared to ask) if he enjoyed the spectacle as the woman's practically bare (and well-toned) body moved and bounced.

Sesshomaru had felt a rush of emotions he didn't need or want to acknowledge. Reminding him, it had been a while since he bedded a demoness bitch. But what had Sesshomaru more irritated with himself was the need to remove any (and all) males present. To forbid the woman from using her star dress equip with any male Spirits.

He had no claim to the woman. He had no desire to claim a human woman, no matter how fascinating she was. Especially one that was steadily earning his respect and attention. So, closing his eyes for a brief second to make a decision. When Sesshomaru opened his eyes, he glanced at his brother, who had given a small nod of his head in understanding. Sesshomaru left to hunt. He needed space between him and the woman, as well as the group.

TBC!

Chapter Text

The quick trip back to the little village where Lucy had met everybody was. Entei's herd had been more than willing to ferry them in the direction of the next Spirit. Though, Lucy hadn't expected it to be where they had started the journey. But everyone had agreed to check on Kaede, and the villagers would be a good idea. 

Sighing, Lucy shifted on Entei's back. Her butt was sore, her hips stiff. So she personally wanted to soak in the natural hot springs. Lucy had an insightful conversation with Entei while making their contract. His abilities were standard. She had access to him and his herd for transportation. But if she ever used them as pack animals, the contract was nullified instantly. Luc was more than okay with this clause because it wouldn't ever happen. 

Just as Lucy found a comfortable position, alarm bells went off in her head. The air felt wrong and smelled stale like death. Lucy swallowed the saliva that seemed to fill her mouth quickly. Then without hesitation, she slammed the Sapphire Gate of the Horse closed. She ignored the shocked reactions from everyone present as her feet touched the ground. Which vibrated, surged up, and threw her into the air.

Wide red eyes looked around the vast starlit space. It took a few seconds to orient themself, as they heard hushed talking to the side. With a single of their head, causing long, fiery hair to slip over their shoulder as they stood and walked towards the sound of the talking. 

The sight of many Celestial Spirit's gathered around a large pool had them snorting. When the group lifted their eyes and looked at them, silence fell. 

Taking a step forward, they looked back into the pool. Only to be shocked at the scene playing across its surface. It was blond, and Lucy was battered and bleeding, leaving a feeling of anger to well up in their chest. 

"Now, Entei, this is just who she is. So don't get too angry." 

"Yeah, Miss Lucy never wants us to be hurt. Otherwise, she feels great pain and shame." 

Entei narrowed his red eyes and snorted again. Eventually, Entei lifted his pale hand and ran it down his face. Only to pause and realize he was in his humanoid form for the first time in a long time. Meaning his new owner was more powerful than he had thought.

Lucy felt her eyes start to close. She tasted copper in her mouth, indicating it was bleeding, like a dozen other parts of her body. Shifting slightly and hiss as a fresh wave of pain burned its way down her back. But what mattered was the two children Lucy had protected from the giant, insane Snake.

After initially being flung into the air, pain flared in her left leg. Lucy had stared as the Giant Snake reared back and demanded she give it the Shikon no Tama. It was at this point Lucy realized this was the next Spirit. It had Cobra's Cubellios beat by hundreds of meters.

From there, Lucy had summoned Virgo, who told her where the massive reptile would appear again after it burrowed back into the ground. However, that hadn't lasted long as numbness spread through her body. Lucy wasn't stupid; she easily realized she'd been poisoned in the first attack. And the poison blocked her magical flow. Lucy was barely able to access enough to use her whip.

"The jewel summoner. Give it to me."

"Brother, I need my brother!"

This dialogue confused Lucy, but she wasn't going to question it.

"Give me the kids and move your ass before you die." 

Lucy lifted her head and glared at InuYasha. But she gave a small nod of her head and removed her arms from around the kids. When Lucy saw enough distance between her and InuYasha after moving away, Lucy pushed her exhausted body up and to the side. Glad for all the fights in the Guild, on missions, and sparring. The sixth sense she'd developed was what was saving herself right now.

The ground where Lucy had just erupted, flying in all directions. The stinging pain from the clumps of dirt and shards of rock flew past her; Lucy gritted her teeth and reached for her whip. When all her fingers did was curl around nothing but air, Lucy felt the chill of fear pool in the pit of her stomach.

"Foolish human! Give me the jewel."

"Brother! Where are you?"

As Lucy stared frozen and numb, mentally willing her body to move. She realized this was slowly turning into a lose-lose situation. And not just for her. There had to be a way for the tides to turn in not just her favor but the groups. If not the villages.

" Will you trust me, Lucy? "

When one of her Spirits spoke, Lucy felt her brown furrow. It was an odd question. Didn't they all know she trusted them, explicitly with her life?

" Yes, always, " Lucy finally replied as she watched the Snake reared back, mouth opening as it lunged at her.

Sesshomaru frowned as Bakusaiga was parried by the dense scales of the Snake's tail. It seemed to be able to neutralize most attacks. And his poison was useless as well. He felt like a pup first learning to fight. The experience was very unpleasant.

A sudden tug on his Youki had Sesshomaru jerking to look at the woman, or at least where she had been previously. What met his sight was a scene that had him wide-eyed. The Giant Snake's head was being flung backward by the pale gold and lavender bubble he presumed engulfed the woman. The raw power from it was almost triple what she had displayed while using the Taurus Star Dress.

Feeling something wasn't right about this sudden surge of power. Sesshomaru started to move towards the gold and lavender sphere as it seemed to burst when a softly spoken yet harsh curse came from beside him. Sesshomaru went still. The aura rolling from his companion, or rather a father, bursting with anger.

"I knew it," Toga spat. "He is testing her again!"

Sesshomaru hadn't looked away from the woman. So when she became visible, he felt as if his chest was being weighed down. There, the woman Lucy was standing. Her appearance seriously changed. Though once I could tell it was still her at first glance.

His eyes started at the top of her head, where two long, slightly floppy ears protruded from her blond hair now mixed with lavender. The blond hung to her mid-back while the lavender fell to mid-thigh. As Sesshomaru's eyes dropped further, he could see the soft brown eyes glowing with a pale blue limbal ring at the outer edges of her iris' in a darker shade of lavender. Her lips were a dark blue and twisted into a cold, detached smirk.

But as his eyes dropped further, Sesshomaru found himself swallowing thickly. She was wearing a short Kimono dress of dark and pale greens (Juromaru's actual clothes from the anime) that stopped above her knees. However, the top was barely staying closed via the obi due to her well-endowed chest. To finish the change was the traditional tabi socks and double geta sandals. That demanded one look at the woman's well-toned, shapely calves now marked with deep blue lines that added a delicate touch as they curved upwards.

But his mind chose to be rational and logical as he asked his companion the question that popped into his mind, "Why the rabbit?"

There was a soft sigh, along with a few more muttered curses before the answer was given. 

"Rabbits may be timid by nature, but don't forget your hunting lessons, pup. When anything is cornered, its true nature can be revealed." Toga growled.

Blinking once, Sesshomaru recalled as a pup he had cornered and grabbed a rabbit. He'd been exhausted and jubilant. Arrogance and pride had clouded his eyes from the victory of capturing his prey, proving he was the bigger predator. Only to hear an ear-splitting scream followed by pain. The rabbit had kicked him swiftly in rapid succession. The long-hidden nails in its hind legs tore his arm and face open.

"But that's not the problem. He forced the fusion," Toga snapped angrily. "That dumb rabbit is testing her again. And it's dangerous to force a fusion. Since it naturally displaces the summoner's soul."

Sesshomaru felt cold at his father's words. Yet he didn't move as he watched the transformed woman lift her leg and slam it down, sending her into the air. The small crater left behind showed the strength used. Though Sesshomaru could feel the power she had rolling from her fluctuate unsteadily.

"If you move to help, any trust between her and the idiotic Leporidae will disappear!"

Having learned about her magic and contracts, Sesshomaru was honor-bound not to interfere. So he watched as the woman jumped, spun, twisted, flipped, and kicked the Snake. Who oddly kept calling her brother? Making him recall a story Miko had told about two of Naraku's reincarnations. He felt his lips twist at the irony of it all.

TBC!

Chapter Text

Lucy felt odd as she watched her body spring up and twist and kick in the air. It was definitely interesting to observe her body as an outsider while it moved at someone else's command. The disconnected sensation was utterly fascinating. There was no pain, coldness, or numbness. However, her eyes roved appreciatively over her body and the changes made by the Spirit fusing with her. The Spirit, The Rabbit, former demon Juromaru had made Lucy look like a demonic bunny girl! One that wasn't overly sexualized. And, Lucy was sure, Gajeel would have a field day if he saw her like this.

Lucy wondered if she was smiling. She couldn't tell. Her mind was trying to stay focused, yet it was getting harder and harder. Lucy wasn't a complete idiot. She quickly rationalized she was having a forced out-of-body sensation. IE: her soul had been displaced. It left her wondering if those with near-death experiences were similar to what she was experiencing right now?

A sharp tug had Lucy gasping (or she was sure she was?)That little bit of magic she had was further drained, meaning magic exhaustion would set in. Her eyes suddenly grew hazy as her eyelids began to flutter shut. 

Her body was on the Snake's head; her feet were moving so fast they were nothing but a blur. Just like Sawyer from the Oracion Seis when he used his magic. The power of those rapid kicks had the giant Snake's head caving in as the scales cracked and shattered from the constant onslaught. Lucy knew that Juromaru was strong and fast. And with him in control, it was impressive and scary as Lucy tried to continue to watch from under her fluttering eyelids. She was sure there was no way the human body should exert that level of strength and power. Let alone constantly over a period of time.

He couldn't help but watch as the Spirit inhabiting the woman's body brought the Snake down. It was shocking, yet he could easily tell her body had been pushed beyond its limitations. His eyes narrowed as Lucy's body landed gracefully and marched to the downed Snake, which was staring in confusion at the body approaching it.

"Brother? The Shikon?" The strange dual-toned voice asked. 

"Enough, Kageromaru," A distinctly male voice spoke from the woman's mouth. "I am fine. She is a wonderful mast-- Mistress and friend." 

"No! I refuse. I don't want to return to being a Spirit. I'll be abandoned again when the owner of my key dies."

Sesshomaru felt his eyes narrow further until he was staring through his lashes. The words gave him something to think about. The Spirit were sentient beings with thoughts and feelings, and fears. The woman knew this and accepted it, allowing them to be their own individual. It showed how magnanimous she was.

"Brother, Kageromaru, Lucy gave to me with no question, complete trust to control her body to return you to yourself. I need you too, brother. Accept her; she has been blessed with most of the Zodiacs Golden Keys."

The way the snake's giant head lifted and tilted to the side had Sesshomaru tensing. When the long serpent tongue slid out and wrapped around the woman's body, Sesshomaru curled his hands into fists to keep from using Bakusaiga. He still didn't relax when the tongue retracted back into the Snake's mouth; he still didn't relax. 

"You like her?! Her magic is pure like her heart!" 

The awe heard in the reptile's voice grated on his nerves. Before he could try and guess why the Snake's body glowed and shrunk until it was only as long as the woman's arm. Though it now no longer looked like a snake. It had a small head that looked similar to the Rabbit Spirits and two small arms ending in scythes? 

"Brother if you chose her, save her. Your poison is killing her." 

Sesshomaru felt his eyes widen as he watched as the woman's body returned to its normal appearance. His body moved on its own as the woman's body fell toward the ground. He caught her unconscious body before it hit the ground.

"Brother, I'm unable to. But the male holding her can. He neutralizes my celestial poison with his own."

Sesshomaru had an ominous feeling as he glared at the odd Spirit. 

"Snake, how is my son able to do this?" 

Tiny eyes narrowed as the Snake Spirit hissed in disgust at his father, Toga. 

"He is a mix between you and a demon. He just has to embrace her body and inject his poison into her blood before she dies. Her time is limited to less than half an hour."

Sesshomaru didn't like what was just said. He didn't even control himself as he growled threateningly at the Snake Spirit. 

"I refuse to sleep with a human." 

His words had his father and the Snake Spirit looking at him as if he'd gone daft. 

"Dog, is your son an idiot?"

"Not that I was aware. But I think I might have to reevaluate his intelligence." 

Sesshomaru huffed in indignation as he glared at the two speaking. All he got in return was two blank stares. 

"Erm... Excuse me, Lord Sesshomaru."

Letting his eyes roll to look at the Monk. Sesshomaru arched an eyebrow to indicate he should speak quickly. 

"As to what was said," Miroku said, smiling rather widely. "You do not have to partake of fleshly desires to embrace Miss Lucy. Simply hold her in your arms and inject your poison via your claws through her exposed flesh." 

If he were a lesser demon and man, Sesshomaru was sure his embarrassment would have shown. Already he could feel heat trying to creep up past his collar. His lips lifted into a cold smirk as he turned and marched to the unconscious woman. Kneeling, Sesshomaru lifted her. His dignity demanded he remove their persons from being watched as if they were a spectacle. 

In seconds Sesshomaru had them airborne and moving towards a nearby hot spring. He felt bothered at how cold the girl's flesh felt as his nose noted the disgusting undertones of the Snake's poison in her blood.

Worry held the Spirits as they finally looked away from the viewing pool. The fight was done, but their Mistress was on death's door, again. The chill in the air was palpable. None spoke as nothing could be said. Slowly and quietly, they all left the viewing pool. New and old spirits, sans the three in the human world, needed some time alone. 

For those that had been with Lucy for years, it was death. Especially those who swore to serve her family line. While the new ones held an understanding that they might be abandoned yet again. Not by choice.

"Why is everyone so sad?"

The faint, ethereal-like voice had the Spirit's pausing and looking back towards the viewing pool. There floating above the water, was the fuzzy image of Lucy. It was clear her soul was fading. 

"Oh, Hime!?" Virgo cried out, her eyes misting with unshed tears. 

"Princess, you shouldn't be here," Leo/Loke said softly. His voice was heavy with emotion.

"I don't know how I got here other than suddenly wanting to see my family," Lucy said. "But if not here, where should I be?"

As one, the Spirit's returned to the viewing pool. The surface rippled before a particular image appeared. Causing a blush to appear on everyone gathered faces. 

"There, Princes," Leo/Loke said. "Please return there."

Eyelids fluttered open as blood rushed to deathly pale cheeks. Blurry, unfocused brown-eyes looked up into deep golden-amber eyes, framed by long silvery-white locks. Pasty pink-white lips parted, and a breath was exhaled. 

"Can you quit injecting poison into me?" A raspy voice asked. 

Silence ensued as brown and gold-amber stared at each other. Neither moving as a contest of wills took place. 

"Foolish, woman." 

"Indifferent, jerk." 

Soon a matching smile appeared on the two faces. The two faces are still inches apart, neither person daring to move. 

TBC!

Chapter Text

Lucy sat, legs crossed, and stared at Miroku, who was across from her, outside what she called an old-fashioned magic circle.

"Focus, Lucy. I want to see if my array can help contain your magic and the Shikon's power while you meditate," Miroku said. His tone is that of an impatient teacher. 

Smiling, Lucy looked away until her eyes met intense amber. Lucy snapped her eyes shut. She was doing her best to focus as Miroku asked. It'd been a few days since she awoke back in her body and in the Demon Lords' arms. She was told his poison was inside her, neutralizing the Snake Spirit Kageromaru. Lucy's brain had made the instant connection he bit her! Now she was having difficulty even looking at him without feeling embarrassed.

Soft chuckling in the back of her head had Lucy snorting. But soon enough, Lucy found her center and accessed her magic and that strange little map. A faint beep let her know another Spirit Key was awakening. And that it was a fair distance away.

The chant's droning had Lucy pull her magic from its two containers. It still amazed her that the usual gold color had swirls of pink, silver, and (literal) acid green. When it swirled in her magic, it was like watching a kaleidoscope. Beautiful to watch, though it made her dizzy. However, Lucy couldn't access the Holy Power of the Shikon and Demon Youki from Sesshomaru.

Giving a hum, Lucy began forming the balls and slowly feeding them to enlarge them.

Sesshomaru watched silently. His level of frustration grew by the day. The damn woman was outright avoiding him, not just physically but with her gaze. And when she spoke, it was as if she was scared. No, that wasn't the right word. But since he was not well versed in the many complexities of human emotions, Sesshomaru did not care to analyze it deeply.

But her avoiding his gaze when she'd always looked him in the eyes, he felt insulted. Sesshomaru had saved her life, and she was being rude and discourteous. And Sesshomaru would get that woman, Lucy, to meet his eyes again one way or another.

Mai watched in awe as Lucy pulled her magic out and formed (very) large golden spheres. It was surprising to see, as was the fact the playboy monk's barrier was holding up decently. The beauty of it all had Mai fighting herself to keep from flying out and touching the manifested magic. A natural instinct for a fairy-like herself.

"Miss Lucy, stop!"

At the cry from the Monk, Mai pulled herself from her thoughts. She could feel her eyes grow wide on her face. It should be impossible! Even the greatest saints and wizards of Earthland couldn't produce this amount of pure magic.

"Please, Miss Lucy, stop. The barrier cannot take it." 

The urgency in the Monk's voice sent Mai into action. With a strong flap of her wings, Mai shot forward. Her speed caused the Demon Lord's hair to fly up into his face as she passed by. She was not caring as she slammed into the Monk's barrier piercing through it. Mai knew she was risking her existence, but Lucy could become magicless if not awakened.

So, when she reached Lucy, Mai twisted her body using her speed to make her tail whip Lucy's nose painfully. The loud hiss as Mai saw Lucy's eyes open and her blood going cold from the sheer weight of the anger in those brown and gold orbs. Her little spinning body met the angry gaze of the Demon Lord; silvery-white hair was clinging messily to his face.

In an instant, Mai knew she was in serious trouble. Since between the two sets of golden-colored eyes that did not seem to see her? 

"What kind of demon is that?"

At the innocently asked question, Mai felt indignant. 

"Mai is not a demon. Mai is a fairy from Earthland!"

She said her piece loud and clear while beating on her puffed-up chest. She realized she had dug herself a deeper hole because she was still stuck between the two angry gazes now focused on her.

TBC!

Chapter Text

Lucy stroked Entei's mane marveling at how soft it was. They'd started traveling a few days ago with the fairy Mai in tow. Lucy was still shocked over a fairy existing, let alone in Earthland.

Mai had been relatively closed-minded about it, and the woman who sold(gave) her the Shikon no Tama. She had claimed destiny and fate were cruel mistresses.

Then there was her issue with Lord Sesshomaru.

Yeah, Lucy wasn't ready to deal with that mess. In fact, she wasn't sure why that whole situation bothered her. He had done it to save her. 

"Lady Lucy?"

Turning her head, Lucy looked at Miroku.

"Do you still sense the presence of the Key? Or hear it?"

Giving a nod, Lucy opened the magic map in her mind. A little red-orange dot was flashing big and bright. Though the color had her curious, it had been red-orange to start with but green-yellow.

"Is there a village near here?"

Sango tilted her head in thought as Kilala sped up to be even with Entei. 

"Yes, a coastal fishing village. Small, quiet, and self-sufficient," Sango said.

Pursing her lips, Lucy wondered which new Key would want to be near a fishing village. Would the spirit be aligned with water?

" Don't think too hard, or you'll lose focus, Mistress Lucy. "

At Entei's voice in her head, Lucy startled a bit. He was one of the more silent spirits(in general).

" Really? "

" Yes. "

" Thank you, Entei. "

" You are welcome. "

With the conversation over, Lucy focused on the road ahead. Her hands were still playing with Entei's mane. She trusted him, but the trauma from learning to ride a horse ran deep.

Mai sat pouting on the Demon Lord's shoulder. She knew she was in trouble for revealing herself. But Mai couldn't understand why she'd been regulated to the Demon Lord's shoulder.

Mai wanted to fly; no, she needed to fly! Yet if she tried to move, Mai would receive a low warning growl. 

Puffing up her cheeks, Mai huffed loudly(for her kind).

"Speak, fairy."

Feeling the tic appear under her eye, jumping violently, Mai turned her head enough to look at her 'mount.'

"Mai. My name is Mai; thank you very much!" She snapped. Her wings rustled against her back, showing her agitation. "And I want to fly. To explore. This is torture, forced imprisonment! Mai is not your slave!" 

The sight of a smile on the cold Demon Lord's face sent Mai's heart beating into overdrive. It was wrong to make something already beautiful even more beautiful. And saying it was inhumanly possible would make her an idiot. That smile was a dangerous weapon to all female hearts.

"No, you're not. But you are a nuisance that isn't being completely truthful," Sesshomaru said. "Hence a lack of trust from me. I am Alpha to this pack and will protect it, even from a tiny threat like yourself."

Mai wished they were in Earthland at that moment. She'd show this presumptuous dog demon a threat.

Turning her head away, Mai crossed her arms over her chest and continued to pout.

Sesshomaru watched the theatrics of the tiny fairy. He found it, or her, annoying and very stubborn.

This little creature had information about Lucy's homeworld. The magic she had was interesting. However, Sesshomaru was not a fool; it could never exist in his world. Lyc was just as tight-lipped as the damn fairy. 

Soon though, a familiar foul stench filled his nose. He knew it was because this stench could only belong to a dead demon. But of late, not many of the deceased were staying dead.

Turning his gaze to Lucy, he saw herself soothing by running her hands through Entei's mane. The spirit turned demon and turned spirit again, visibly enjoying the attention.

It had him frowning. He knew there was no need to be displeased by what he was seeing. The feeling it evoked was both familiar and unfamiliar.

Deciding he did not want to see it, Sesshomaru called out, "We are stopping. Camp is to be set up quickly. Inu Yasha, you and I will hunt for dinner. Later I'll spar to help you hone your skills with fathers sword."

He was then turning away and leaving before anyone could say a word. However, he caught the soft tittering laugh from the kit. 

"What's got him agitated?" Lucy asked. Her words quickly reached his ears.

"Feh, the smell of cat," Inu Yasha replied, making Sesshomaru sneer.

"Oh, okay," Lucy said. 

Sesshomaru shook his head and flared his youki, and took off. Enjoying the sound of his brother's cursing as he demanded he slow down. 

He'd let them think it was the smell of cat. Though he could faintly hear the low rumbling from the said cat, though it sounded off?

"Silly child," Mai murmured from his shoulder.

"Quite fair," He warned.

Nothing more was said except for the sound of smothered chuckling coming from the now smug fairy. It made it seem as if she knew something. 

TBC!

Chapter Text

It was a standoff of egos. But there was no doubt who'd lose as impatience was written across the face of a person those gathered knew was arrogant. However, to those of the group watching, it was amusing to see this reborn, arrogant bastard twitching since he knew he'd lose the staring contest. 

Finally, after a few more drawn-out minutes, dark and beady eyes like chips of onyx blinked. 

"Fuck!"

"So, ready to quit being childish?"

The words had one member of the group snorting. Though none would dare look at that person. Not with how irritable (more than usual) they'd been acting of late. 

"Woman, if anyone is a child here, it's you and the kit. So shut your mouth and save face."

Soon they all took a collective step back as a smile appeared, curling full pink lips into a perfect cupid's bow. Pressure began to fill the air as a green-gold-and-pink aura popped out around Lucy. 

"He is doomed now," Shippo muttered, kicking his tongue and making a "tsk" sound.

"I'd thank you for the advice, but I can't choose words small enough for your intelligence to understand."

At her words, Lucy watched as the man, no tiger demon, before he snarled. She could feel the tension and danger rolling off him. Yet it didn't phase her. She was used to men with arrogant personalities and a sadist side. After all, she was a noble and attended the social scene before running away and joining Fairy Tail. 

The cards were in her hands as she watched this Spirit begin to lose his temper.

"Woman, you may be a mage, but you aren't impressive."

Lucy fluttered her eyelashes coquettishly at the Spirit's words as she let more of her odd mix of magic, demonic energy, and holy powers out. 

Then deliberately, Lucy places her hands on her hips and slowly drug them up her body, tracing her curves. When she reached her breast, Lucy cupped them and bounced them twice for effect before continuing until her fingers were folded under her chin. 

"Why, yes, I am a woman," she said, making her voice soft and teasing. "Thank you for noticing. And I don't think you can handle the type of woman I am."

His actions and words had the Spirit reacting as well as every man present. 

The low growl from the Tiger Spirit as his dark eyes seemed to expand made Lucy change her smile to a smug smirk. 

"Now, you giant pussy cat cut the bullshit," she said, dropping all pretenses. "Name your challenge if you have the ' brains ' to do so. 

To punctuate, she meant business Lucy slammed her mix of powers into the Tiger Spirit, sending him stumbling back and provoking him further.

Jura was angry. He wanted to harm this woman. She was as arrogant, if not more than himself. And she wasn't weak! It pissed him off that she was a Celestial Mage that could redeem him. 

Smiling as he bit out his words, "Fine. I challenge you to answer five riddles and one question from me by yourself. If at any point you can't, leave me be."

He saw the damn woman's eyebrows jump as she stared at him. Jura felt pleased as that smug smirk turned into a displeased frown.

"Really? That's all?"

Jura allowed his canines to show as his smile grew wider, and nodded affirmatively.

"Okay, I accept," She said, looking suddenly confident. "Give me your best, sir."

Narrowing his eyes, Jura spoke," "I am tall when I am young and short when I am old. What am I?" (*given by Leoslady4ever)

He watched the woman, who pursed her lips and let her eyes shut in contemplation. It was an easy riddle; Jura was sure she'd get it correct. He had to toy with her before tearing her down and shoving her confidence and arrogance into the dirt.

"A Candle." 

Snorting, Jura tilted his head to acknowledge she got it right while thinking of his next riddle.

Sesshomaru knew he'd have rolled his eyes if he were a lesser demon(person). 

However, he was not. And a part of him was pleased that Lucy had manipulated Jura the way she had. Yet he was angry she put herself in such a situation.

"Okay, woman, the next riddle," Jura said. "What is red and smells like blue paint." (*LittlePrincessNana)

Huffing, Sesshomaru instantly knew the answer. He could tell Lucy did, too, but she acted like it was difficult.

"Uh, um...is it...no...maybe?"

"Woman, answer or forfeit," Jura snapped, causing Sesshomaru to narrow his eyes slightly. 

"Uh, is it red paint?" Lucy finally said. Her lips curled into a large and childish smile. 

"Yet Sesshomaru could smell how smug she was.

"Yes," Jura said. "I am being nice and giving you easy riddles now."

Sesshomaru saw the glare the Tiger Demon was giving his companion.

"Next," Jura growled. It was clear he was becoming irritable again. "The smallest lark could carry it, while a strong man may not. What do I speak of?"(DragonsHost)

Sesshomaru pressed his lips lightly. He knew this as if it was something to do with his childhood. A simple task that his mother had asked of his father, only to have his father fail horribly.

It was a fond memory as his mother forbade his dad from ever attempting to do such a thing again in her presence.

A bright peal of laughter had Sesshomaru staring at Lucy. It was clear she knew the answer.

"Oh, I know this one!" Lucy exclaimed. Then, while giggling, she whistled a bit. "A tune! My father was tone deaf, but he would always try to serenade my mother."

Feeling mildly surprised, Lucy had a similar experience; Sesshomaru felt his lips curl into a smile.

"Tch," Jura grumbled before smiling. "Okay, number four. I have a shaft, and my tip penetrates. What am I?" (*ErzaDLaw)

Several sets of eyes watched as Lucy flushed darkly. They knew their Master, or rather friend, well. And as their fellow Spirit smirked and seemed to ooze smugness at seemingly having flustered her with his double entendre, they couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"Hime may be innocent, but she is no naive maiden," Leo spoke as he ran a hand through his ginger-colored hair.

"You are right, brother," Virgo said, smiling. "Her guildmates have long beaten any real shyness out of her."

The new additions to their group were curious, yet they dared not ask. The feeling of amusement from their new Master was shock and the need not to laugh.

"Well, woman, answer," Jura said, chuckling. "Or forfeit.

"An arrow, you perverted pussy," Lucy laughed. "And try harder if you wish to trick me with something improper. Otherwise, I might not feel it as it was weak and soft."

The gathered Spirits, new and old, shared a laugh.

"Fine, the last riddle," Jura hissed. "It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, cannot be heard, cannot be smelt. It lies behind stars, and under hills and empty holes it fills. It comes first and follows after. It ends life and kills laughter. What do I speak of?" (*Ithillokte)

Silence descended as the Spirits, except Crux, who had fallen asleep(again), pondered over the answer.

"Darkness."

That one word from Lucy had them jolting. They heard the seriousness in the tone she had used. And the answer was simple.

As they continued to watch, they all saw Jura realize he had been manipulated by how easily Lucy had answered the riddles. 

"Ask your question, or do you want to forfeit?"

Lucy's question had a few of them openly snickering. 

"No," Jura spat as if he'd bitten into a particularly sour fruit. "Fine, my question is this. What are you the Master of?"

Each of them seemed to go still and held their breath. They knew this question was a taboo area for Lucy. She hated being referred to as Master. 

"As you will learn, Spirit of the Tiger," Lucy said slowly as anger and sadness colored her words. "None."

Leo couldn't help himself as he turned away. He had been on death's door, and Lucy had helped him at the risk of his own life. Hence he had promised his key to serve her family bloodline if they were Celestial Mages. 

"You're serious?" Jura mumbled.

"Yes. I do not see my contracts with each Spirit as a right to be their Master. Each is a dear friend and family member to me. I trust each of them with my life and allow that same sense of security."

Leo smiled.

"Fine. I'll give you my Peridot key," Jura said. "And as a clause in our contract, I want you to be my woman."

Leo spun back to the viewing pool and saw Jura approach Lucy. As an alpha male cat, he knew what this Tiger was thinking. And that it was another test for Lucy. A long time ago, Jura's key had belonged to an exceptionally lusty courtesan, and he had been forced to fornicate with her, which was against the rules and laws. 

"I don't think so, " Leo mumbled, forcing his gate open.

In seconds he stood between Jura and Lucy. He growled low in his chest to warn Jura. 

"Oh, you have the lion's key," Jura hissed with displeasure as his eyes flashed.

"I do. I know he's the leader of the Zodiacs. Yet you are not the leader of the gem keys," Lucy said, her voice soft. "And I know a romantic relationship between Mage and Spirit is punishable. I do not want to lose my magic, friends, and family." 

Leo shifted to stand behind Lucy, who had reached out and held his hand to calm him. 

"Now, what are the terms of your contract," Lucy asked. 

Leo felt Jura back down and retract his aura. But another's aura flared and drew his attention. Leo smiled as he met cold, honey-gold eyes.

It looked like Toga's son was still ignorant about his feelings. Meaning there will be many opportunities in the future to tease the pup. And Leo was sure he could convince Jura to help.

TBC!

Chapter Text

To those in the group, they had begun to see the changes in two of their little group. Of course, some were more perceptive than others.

The first to notice the change had been Miroku. His 'world-wise' views of people and their interpersonal relationships were considerable. He noted it weeks ago after meeting Nobunaga Oda. There had still been disdain, even contempt. Yet there had been a begrudging respect budding. Now it had changed to companionship, even possibly friendship. However, neither realized there were deep undercurrents of a little more. It provided tremendous amounts of amusement, more so since Leo, after teaming up with Jura's peridot key, had been acquired.

Next came(shockingly) Shippo. He was young but observant, as a good mischief-making kitsune should be. He'd seen similar reactions between his parents as there were Miroku and Sango's reactions, followed by the chaos of InuYasha and Kagome. The latter he missed greatly. Yet seeing how the relationship between Sesshomaru, a demon he both feared and respected, was changing, softening around Lucy. It made him giggle behind his hands or into Kilala's tail.

Next came Sango, who had noticed after Lucy acquired Choyukai's Key and had dealt with InuYasha after learning about the abilities of the Lapis Lazuli key. There'd been small ques like making small banter with Lucy or the impromptu sparring sessions. His reaction to her fusing with the Rabbit Spirit's Key had seemed seriously off. But now with Jura, there was no mistaking it. Their dynamic had changed slowly, subtly, and both were clueless about themselves and the other. It was like watching small children navigate through puppy love blindly.

The last to notice had been InuYasha. He had figured his brother was being an ass and trying to manipulate Lucy since his demonic aura tainted her. He was well aware of the assholes lack of need to acknowledge others' power unless it was on his level or greater. Yet a comment from Myoga, who'd met up with them a few days ago as they headed back to Edo, before heading to Kaede's village to regroup. His father had also pointed out how Sesshomaru did not like the lion or tiger spirits clinging to Lucy.

At first, he had thought it was nothing, and there was no way his stick-up-the-ass-bastard of a brother would be interested in a human woman. However, InuYasha observed as his brother paid attention(even if it wasn't visual) to Lucy.

It left him feeling smug because of his brother's clueless ignorance and the fact that Lucy would leave eventually.

Yet it felt wrong. While his brother would likely be pissy, he'd get over it. The fact that Lucy would leave meant two things that were not good for him. He'd be losing his father for the second time and the Lapis Lazuli Key, his only way to contact Kagome.

Feeling torn and sullen, InuYasha rationalized that he needed to find a way to make Lucy stay. But he had realized that Lucy was oblivious to his brother's shift, and she seemed to have feelings for the bastard. So, InuYasha vowed to get the others in the group on his side to plot to make her stay.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"This is hilarious."

"Indeed."

"So, Toga, how long do you think it will take for your son to realize?"

"I honestly don't know, Capricorn," Toga replied, shaking his head.

Capricorn stroked his beard, smiling. His mistress, Lucy, was a bit dense, even if she thought she wasn't.

Entei chuckled darkly as he cast a glance through the viewing pool as Leo and Jura absconded with a now flushed Lucy.

"Soon, I'd think if those two overgrown pussy cats keep provoking him like that," Kagemaru said, a clear look of smugness shining in his eyes.

A soft, yet disturbing laugh resounded, drawing all eyes to Virgo. Beside her was Aquarius, who had her head on Scorpios's shoulder, looking amused.

"Brother worries Lord Sesshomaru will realize it," Virgo said softly. "And like dogs are just as territorial as cats. Princess's naivete about such things is cute. But please refrain from insulting brother Leo."

A shudder ran through all the male spirits at Virgo's soft and polite words.

"L-Lucy is slow, b-but it'd b-be g-good if she realized how T-Toga's s-son felt," Aries stuttered out. "H-Herself too."

"Hahaha," Kanna laughed. "My new owner is amusing. I hope they both take a bit longer; this awkwardness that stems from those unrealized feelings is great drama to watch. More so since the idiot InuYasha had become aware of their feelings."

A low growl of annoyance from Toga at his youngest being insulted. But one look revealed he did agree that InuYasha was an idiot.

TBC!

Chapter Text

Lucy yawned and stretched as she looked up at the mountain in the early predawn light. Her senses were going haywire, and she could hear Taurus in her head. He wasn't happy, yet he was? It left her feeling confused and slightly dazed.

She loved her spirits, but sometimes they and their quirks could leave her exasperated. However, Lucy had noticed the changes in her companions. Many undercurrents ran heavy. She received looks that ranged from concern to amusement and (oddly enough) weariness.

"Well, Totosai knows you all are here."

Lucy stiffened before a sharp pricking pain blossomed at the base of her neck. Instinctively, her hand came up and smacked at the area. Lucy hissed as she saw the others look at her with knowing looks.

"Myoga," InuYasha muttered as he stepped back just as Sesshomaru's arm appeared before her.

"Why are you here, Flea?" Sesshomaru growled as his hand snapped out, fingers pinching a small black dot being squished.

"Lord Sesshomaru, why would you think there is something that would bring me here?" Myoga said pleadingly. "Also, her blood is utterly divine. Can I have another sip?"

Lucy felt annoyed as heat crawled up her neck.

"Myoga," Sesshomaru growled in warning.

"Ah, wait, Myoga only goes where it's safest," Shippo spoke up, rolling his eyes.

Feeling confused, Lucy was about to ask when a loud, thunderous rumble echoed all around. Suddenly unsure, Lucy tensed, hands going to her waist for both her keys and whip.

"Moo!"

Just as a shadow dropped from the sky, landing practically on InuYasha, stirring up a large cloud of debris, Lucy felt a sudden drain in her magic. Her body felt light as she wobbled in place as the chaos began to subside.

"See, I told you all Totosai knew you were here," Myoga mumbled, causing Lucy to frown as it came from right beside her ear.

"Flea," Sesshomaru growled low and threateningly before being silenced by the misplaced sound of cows.

"Moo!"

"Moooo!"

The two sounds had Lucy closing her eyes and sighing. Taurus had opened his gate by sheer force and was bellowing from behind her. Opening her eyes, Lucy saw a three-eyed ox before her, responding in kind.

"Excuse me, Taurus, what is going on?" she asked, her voice sounding very weary as she interrupted what seemed to be a conversation.

"I think, girl, it's a lovers' spat."

A slightly raspy, elderly voice came from right beside her, causing Lucy to shriek as her gaze whipped to look into the large-eyed, scrawny-looking old man. Leaning against a long-handled smithing hammer.

Not hiding her confusion, Lucy spoke, "Totosai?"

The goofy, pleased smile of the old man? Demon? Gave her would have been cute had he not tried to sidle closer to her while sniffing subtly. When his eyes landed on her waist and on her whip and key ring, Lucy stepped back, instinctively wary.

"Old man, you might want to stop," InuYasha said in a low, trembling voice as a wave of cold, biting blood lust enveloped the area.

A nervousness filled her as she looked towards the epicenter of that oppressive feeling. Sesshomaru's gold-amber gaze was narrowed as a pale hand with long, thin fingers snapped out and grabbed the back of Totosai's green striped onesie. Making the elderly man curl up and try to appear small and timid. But Lucy saw through his act. She'd seen it too many times thanks to her teammates, especially Happy.

"L-Lord Sesshomaru," Totosai mumbled.

It was at that moment that the three-eyed bull charged at Taurus, who had moved at the same point. Body tensing, Lucy watched as the two clashed, horns locked, still emitting low grunts and moos.

Totosai laughed and hooted about it being a lovers' quarrel. The words brought a sudden odd quiet as both Taurus and the bull had gone still and were looking at them with their horns locked. The look of utter incredulity on their faces had Lucy wanting to laugh.

After another minute, the two disengaged before a deep bass voice came from the three-eyed Ox.

"I do not have an inappropriate relationship with my son, Asterion," It, or rather he said.

"So, my old friend, please refrain from such ridiculous nonsense. I mean, being violated by a human queen who had pissed off a goddess is not what I call a good time. Even animals have pride and hierarchy."

Lucy suddenly felt dumbfounded. She did not doubt that this three-eyed ox was the spirit she had been sensing.

"Loo-cy," Taurus bellowed, his voice pleading. "Can you accept my father, Rio-moo?"

"Contract terms?" Lucy mumbled, feeling a bit unbalanced.

"Just let me be with my son, since I was denied that after being used and flung to Japan, left for dead. Ah, just every seventh day, no calling, as I want to rest."

Lucy nodded as Totosai groused about losing his friend, companion, and mount, Mo-mo.

"Nah, I'll stay with you until she needs me for either my fire or to move stuff," Mo-mo, Rio-moo said as flames burst from his body to reveal the tall, lanky body of a man with hooves and a tail.

He just watched as Lucy wrote out a contract with The Smith Demons Ox. The revelation of familial ties was not lost on him. Lucy had a gift to bring people, demons together. She had long integrated into their little group, treating them as if they were family.

Sesshomaru recounted how her spirit, Capricorn, and the former demoness Kanna were related. His father had returned to their family. Now this strong human and animal spirit and his father.

He felt his mood shift at the very implication. As Lucy moved, he found his eyes always following her. It made Sesshomaru feel disgusted with himself. There was no way he could hold affection more than respect toward a human, let alone a human woman.

However, Sesshomaru would openly admit if asked (albeit grudgingly) that Lucy made the third Human. His ward Rin was the first, then the Miko Kagome was the second. So, he gave a soft snort, and Sesshomaru turned and left. He did not need to stay and observe; Lucy was now holding an Emerald Key.

He figured a bit of rest could be allowed after traveling a while with her; he knew a new contract would leave Lucy drained and exhausted. It wasn't that he cared; he didn't want to deal with her being cranky. It would mean no sparring match.

The soft, smothered snickering from the duo of Totosai and Myoga. The rest of the group easily recognized the knowing look they shared. The only ones not amused were InuYasha. He looked rather disgruntled.

"Son, do not do it."

At the low, quiet warning, everyone paused as Toga appeared suddenly. The aura he gave off was oppressive.

"Dad?" InuYasha half muttered, half-whined.

"No. You will respect her, you were already told," Toga growled again. "And she is your only chance to see the Miko again in this world. If you persist, I'll let your brother have free rein in using you as a punching bag until you are within an inch of your life. And to make sure you don't go berserk, I'll wrap Tetsaiga around your hands."

Those watching felt a chill creep through their veins. The implications were not small nor simple. And with how InuYasha's ears flattened, he knew too. He was there when Sesshomaru lost his shit when Rin had been harmed. Lucy had come to be in Sesshomaru's small circle of people he cared about.

TBC!