Two Dogs and Cat - Chapter 1

Two Dogs and Cat

By Maricruz (Mari, Maric, Maricc, Mar, Animeiac, and Anime-iac)

Co-authored by egyptianfairy (from neopets)

 A/N: I might as well give you a word of warning. I know that in the series that Sesshomaru hates humans and half-breeds. But he always let Rin stay with him. Plus in this fic of mine, the only half-breed he can tolerate is my character and his and Inuyasha's cousin, Nekanyou. NeNe for short. And yes Inuyasha and Sesshomaru will have a small truce and at least try to get along for NeNe's sake. Oh and one more thing, there we'll be no, I repeat, no Inu/Kag nor Inu/Kik pairings on a count that I hate both Kagome and Kikyo. And I will never pair either of them with Sesshomaru since I those pairings absolutely ridiculous. I will be extremely unfriendly to both Kagome and Kikyo in this story. There will be also some anti-Miroku, anti-Shippo and possibly some anti-Sango context. If you don't like to read this fic then go back to where you were before.

 Opening: Cat's Eye View

          In a blustering morning over in the feudal era of Japan there stands a lone figure on top of the hills of the countryside. This mysterious stranger was draped in tattered robes that flutter over the soft breeze. As the stranger gaze upon the fields she thinks about her mission. “Soon my cousins we'll be together again.” She told herself and then look up in the sky. “Don't worry Mommy I'll get them for you before your time comes. Just please hang on.” A tear rolled down her cheek and she turns and walks away from the fields to get started on what she was assign to do.

 Chapter 01: May I Present to you Lady Nekanyou.

          It was breezy, yet hot and humid all at once.

         Inuyasha and his long time friends and companions Kagome, Shippo, Miroku, Sango and Kilala ventured from the village they had recently just saved from a dangerous demon that had tormented it for so long.

          As they continued along the path, Inuyasha suddenly stopped in his tracks and sniffed the air. Strangely, it wasn't another demon about to attack. And it wasn't just any demon either. It was the scent of a half demon. Not only that, there was some familiarity to the scent. A scent that he remembered from so long ago. There's something up ahead. He thought. And the scent is strangely familiar, and it's a half demon. Without a word, Inuyasha took off into the distance.

         “What's wrong with Inuyasha?” Kagome wondered out loud.

          “I suppose he caught the scent of another demon.” Miroku said.

           “So that's why he just took off.” Sango put in.

          “Then why didn't he say anything?! C'mon, we better go after him!” Shippo chimed in.

          “Right. It could be trouble!” Kagome said.

          With that, the rest of the group went after Inuyasha as quick as they could.

           Up ahead, Inuyasha finally came up to the source of the scent. But all he could see was a lone figure dressed in a hooded robe that stood in the center of a clearing in the nearby forest.

            So now what? I found the source of the scent but something's telling me not to attack! Why though? I mean, I know there's a strange familiarity in the scent, but what is it that's making me not want to attack?

          They stood there awhile, apparently staring at one another, as though neither knew what to do next.

          Right then, the stranger pulled down the hood of the robe. To his surprise, it was not only a woman, but also a half cat demon. She had medium tan-colored skin, bright orange hair in a ponytail that was held by a strip of gray cloth. With wavy bangs in the middle that split up and formed a triangular shape and she had sparkling emerald green eyes with gold flecks in them. She also had small orange cat ears on top of her head.

           It was then that Inuyasha realized that this girl was the same half cat demon he used to play with when he was a young child because none of the other children would just because he was a half-breed. She was his cousin from so long ago. Nekanyou.

           As they eyed one another, flashbacks and long time memories played in their heads and it just clicked right there.

“NeNe?” Inuyasha blurted out, remembering her childhood nickname.

            “Innie?” Nekanyou suddenly said, also remembering his childhood nickname. “Innie!” She squealed in delight as she ran toward him.

          A look of dread crossed his face right now. Oh please dear God no… He recognized her playful behavior just now.

           This was how they greeted each other as children.

            Before he could move or protest, Nekanyou or NeNe tackled Inuyasha to ground, squeezing his body as hard she could.

           “Oh, I missed you so much! It's been so long since we last saw each other! I'm so happy to see you! Oh you're still so cute!” She squealed while she stretched and scrunched his face like an Aunt would greet her niece or nephew, or a grandmother would pinch her grandkid's cheeks. She finally let go and he sat up, rubbing his cheeks, which hurt like hell. Then she held up her palms to him.

          “Eh?” He stared at her hands. “What are you doing?”

           “Well come on Innie, don't you recognize this game?” She asked in a pouty way. “This is how we used to greet each other when we were kids!”

         Inuyasha thought for a moment. “Oh! Of course. Now I remember that game.”

          “Well come on then! Let's play!”

           Inuyasha held up his own palms and they started to play their little clapping game that was something like patty cake.

          “Goin' `round the Country, spilling out a demon's carnage and guts. Mixing it with bugs and pus. Beetle juice and spider guts galore! If you kill more than one then you score! Goin' round the Country stamping bugs and squeezing pus and blood! Nothing makes a demon happier than spillin' out a victim's guts and suds! Humans are cheats and liars! They're such a big disgrace! Makes you want to stomp all over `em until they got no space! Just like a hen! Goin' round the Country and doing it all over again!”

          In a playful mood, Inuyasha jumped up and barked at NeNe, who meowed and hissed right back. She then turned and ran off on all fours and Inuyasha chased after all, laughing and barking while doing so.

           During that time, the rest of the group was about catching up to Inuyasha, when they suddenly saw two blurs, one red and one orange. Then they saw Inuyasha chasing a cat-like girl up a tree. But they didn't know that it was all in fun. Nor did they know that this was his cousin.

          “What is he doing? INUYASHA! STOP THAT!” Kagome yelled.

           Inuyasha didn't seem to hear her; he was having too much fun.

           Why that jerk! Chasing that poor cat girl up a tree! “SIT BOY!”

           And of course, Inuyasha fell flat on his face.

          “Hey! What's the big idea?!” Nekanyou said angrily. She didn't like to see one of her favorite relatives being abused like that. “Who the hell do you think you are doing that to Inuyasha?!” I don't know who the hell that little witch is but I already don't like her!

          “Can't you see that he was bullying you? I had to put a stop to it!” Kagome explained.

          NeNe shook her head. “Hn. You're obviously blind. We were just playing. Now apologize right now!”

          “No way. Maybe if Inuyasha had mentioned that you were only playing, I wouldn't have said it. So no, I'm not apologizing. I'm not the one who has to!”

           NeNe rushed to her, grabbed her by her hair and forced her to the ground. Then she took Inuyasha by his hair and held the two at eye level.

           “I'm not letting you go until you do as I say! Now apologize right now!” NeNe ordered.

           “Oh no! She's got Kagome!” Miroku cried.

           “Then we should attack!” Sango readied her weapon.

“No…stop.” Inuyasha said tiredly.

           Kagome sighed, and not wanting to anger the cat demon, she managed to say, “Inuyasha, I'm sorry for sitting you before. You didn't deserve it.”

           Inuyasha smiled slightly touched. She had never apologized for sitting him before. Finally, someone who can put Kagome in her place. “It's fine, Kagome.” For now. Maybe next time I won't be so accepting.

          “There, now was that hard?” NeNe shoved Kagome aside.

           “Inuyasha, what's going on?” Miroku asked.

           Inuyasha stood and dusted himself off. “Well to put it bluntly…May present to you Lady Nekanyou of the Western Seas. My cousin.”

           Everyone else was now in complete shock. “Your COUSIN?” They cried.

           Of course, Miroku, being the pervert that he is, went up to NeNe and asked the infamous question he always ask.

          “Pleasure to meet you, M'lady. Would you bear my child?”

           “WHAT?!” Sango cried. First any woman in a mile radius…and now a half demon?! This has gone too far! She brought up her Hiraikotsu and was about to whack Miroku with it.

           “Don't worry, Sango.” Inuyasha said as he held her back. “She can take care of him.”

           As Inuyasha predicted, Nekanyou was certainly a type of woman who didn't like to be hit on. So she did what most would do in a situation, she kneed Miroku in his “precious area” and he fell to the ground, crying in pain and agony.

           Inuyasha laughed really hard at that, Sango half laughed and was half worried and Kagome was just amused.

            Shippo then stepped up. “Excuse me, Nekanyou, why are you here anyway?”

           Inuyasha stopped laughing. Oh yeah! I was so caught up in the excitement that I forgot to ask why she was here! Clearing his throat, he repeated the question. “Yeah, why are you here?”

           Right then, Nekanyou's eyes filled with tears and she buried her face in his chest.

Then to everyone's surprise, Inuyasha gave her a little hug and whispered some comforting words into one of her ears.

          Finally, when she pulled herself together a bit more, she managed to say the bad news. “Inuyasha…. my…my Mother…Takara…is…is dying…”

           Everyone gasped and Inuyasha was stunned. Her mother, his Aunt, was like a second mother to him after his own mother died long ago. She had always been so kind, caring and gentle. Not to mention always had some delicious treats!

          How can she be dying? She's the strongest cat demon I know! Well…besides Kilala of course!

          “Inuyasha…you and Sesshomaru must visit my Mother before her time is up. It's her dying wish. She wishes to see you both once more before it is too late.”

          Inuyasha then fell silent. He and Sesshomaru were never any good terms since forever.

           “Please Innie,” NeNe pleaded with those big sad cat eyes, “It would made Mommy very happy.”

           How can Inuyasha say no to that kind of face? “I… I… I don't know NeNe.” He hesitated, “Me and Sesshomaru have never really get along.”

         “Don't tell me you two are still fighting over the Tetsiaga?” Nekanyou asked incredulously

          “Huh, you mean know about Tetsiaga?” Inuyasha was surprised that his cousin has even ever heard about his sword.

“Well duh, everybody knows about Tetsiaga.” NeNe exclaimed, “And that your father left you with it and Sesshomaru with Tensiaga.” She let out a tiresome sigh. “For once can't you two just put away your differences and see Mommy one more time? So how about it, Inuyasha?" NeNe asked.

          "Sure. It'd be nice to see her again before she died. We just gotta talk Sesshomaru into coming, which is the problem. But I think if we persuade him a little, it ought to work."

           "Great! Let's go find him and see what we can do!"

          Inuyasha turned to his friends. "You guys stay around here, okay? I'll return...well, when I return."

           "All right, Inuyasha." Miroku said. "We'll keep an eye out of the shards and Naraku."

           "No way! We have to-" Kagome began.

            "Stay here, Kagome." Inuyasha said firmly.

"...Fine!"

         "C'mon, cous!" NeNe said as she turned to head off to the Western Lands.

          "I'm coming!" He waved at his friends and went after her.

          Finally, after hours of fruitless searching, they finally picked up on Sesshomaru's scent.

           "Over there!" Inuyasha pointed East.

"Let's go!"

         Up ahead, they finally caught up with Sesshomaru.

          "SESSHIE!!" NeNe squealed.

          Sesshomaru turned. "Huh?"

           NeNe ran over and hugged him. "I'm so glad to see you, Sesshie!! It's been so long! I missed you so much!"

          Sesshomaru repulsed from her, as though she were poison ivy.

           "Sesshie! It's me! NeNe! Don't you remember me?"

         He paused. "Oh. Right. Of course. Why are you here then?"

          NeNe explained the whole ordeal to Sesshomaru, who listened, but seemed un-interested.

           "Is that it? Why should I care? I do not have time for this."

           "Sesshomaru! After all she's done for us, the least you can do is comply to her last wish!" Inuyasha scolded.

          “And is this any business to you Inuyasha?” Sesshomaru asked his half brother coldly.

          “Aunt Takara was like a second mother to me.” Inuyasha reminisce, “Remember all those neat presents and tasty goodies she used to give from all of her sea trips?”

Of course this cause Sesshomaru to have a flashback. There was a younger version of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha as they received their latest gifts from Takara. A wooden sword from Finland for Sesshomaru and a box of marzipan shaped like animals from Austria for little Inuyasha.

           "So, our Aunt wants to see us as a dying wish?"

           NeNe nodded again. "Yes, that's what I said."

          "Well, then I suppose I should oblige. I do love our Aunt after all."

            "You??? Mr. 'I'm gonna destroy everything I see'?"

"Yes."

           "Well, at least you're going with us. Um, NeNe...how are we going to get there?"

            "You'll see!" NeNe said with a grin. "Wait, do you either of you ever get seasick?"

            "No." The two brothers said in chorus.

           "Okay, good. Our trip will reacquire a little sea travel!"

            "Sounds exciting. When are we going?"

           "Anytime you're ready."

            Nekanyou was happy that her two cousins were coming to see her mother. Despite being a sad moment, her heart was high. She leads them to the ship they are taking to Takara's mansion. It was filled with the old shipmates that served under Takara.

 The ship ride over was not an easy one. Inuyasha got seasick. He spent most of his time on the rail puking his guts out.

 “Mizuki-chan said to lay on your back,” Nekanyou told him.

 “That's what she said.”

 “Hai, always trust Mizuki-chan,” she smiled.

 For the rest of the trip, Inuyasha laid on his back. He wonders how Kagome and the others are doing.

 Sesshomaru wished he had brought Rin with him but she is safe for now. Of course Inuyasha would know about her if she came alone. Yet something caught his ear.

 Going to a barrel, he tipped it. Rin and Jaken popped out.

 “Sesshomaru-sama!” Rin said happily.

 He gave Jaken a cold glare.

 “Sorry mi lord it was all that stupid girl's idea.”

 “Ahhh, what a cute little girl!” Nekanyou squeal. She picks up Rin and held her close.

 “We have landed, Lady Nekanyou,” the old first mate told her.

 “Thank you.”

 Getting off the ship, Inuyasha having much trouble. A carriage awaits them. Rin sits on Nekanyou while they talk about their favorite treats.

 Jaken was force to ride on top Inuyasha wanted to but was force to ride with them.

 It seems like hours but they finally got to the manor. They were greeted with a host of servants. A fierce yet beautiful silver eyes watch from a tower. They belong to the silver haired demon named Mizuki. She watches them enter to the mansion.

 Mizuki sighed. Nekanyou loves her dearly, like a sister. But she is a servant, yet she is of noble birth. She owns Takara a blood debt, hopefully she would be free from it when she dies. Mizuki runs the house when Takara is away, now being sick with an unknown illness, her responsibility has grown double.

 “Mizuki-sama,” a lowly servant said. “Takara-sama wishes to speak with you.”

 Walking towards Takara's main room. She got on her knees at the door.

 “Takara-sama, I'm here.”

 “Come in Mizuki-dono and don't use sama, we're both equals,” she chuckled.

 “Takara-dono,” Mizuki entered the room. “May I asked what do you need me for.”

 Despite it being warm, Takara's bangs weighed heavy with sweat and now plastered on her forehead.

 “I have a last request for you, Mizuki-dono. After that your blood debt would be lifted.”

 Mizuki smiled at the now sickly female cat demon. “May I ask what is it?”

 Nekanyou, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru both await in the waiting room. The room had a great view of the garden, which Rin was playing in. A servant came in with some finger foods and hot tea.

 “Takara-sama is talking with someone right now,” the servant informed them.

 “Where's Mizuki-chan?” Nekanyou asked the servant.

 “She is busy at the moment.”

 “What do you me, I'm busy,” a gentle voice rang. Mizuki came into view. She was wearing a white kosode (short-sleeved under-kimono) with a dark purple kimono and hakama. It was rather plain but nothing to fancy, after all she is a servant to Takara.

 “Mizuki-san,” the servant said. “I didn't hear you.”

 “You are dismiss now,” Mizuki said.

 Before Mizuki can react, Nekanyou jumped on her.

 “Mizuki-chan, where have you been? You haven't been at the mansion for months now.”

 “I've been busy NeNe-chan. Your mother wishes to speak with all of you right now.”

 Mizuki watches them leave. Sesshomaru bumps into her.

 “Don't do anything stupid.”

 “You always have a high regard of yourself don't you Sessy-sama.”

 He gave her a cold stare that could freeze water. This does nothing to Mizuki. As he left, something worries Mizuki. Is Nekanyou up to this challenge or would she fall.? Takara asked her to go with her to watch over her own daughter.

 She sighed and thought about the blood debt. If she doesn't do this then she wouldn't be free.

 'Damn this blood debt,' she thought. 'I guess I deserve this for leaving my family behind. I couldn't take it being noble all the time. I wonder if they let me in after all this.'

 Mizuki wonders around a bit. She has done this mission once before. Forgetting what happens at the end. She felt ashamed that she doesn't remember what she wished for. Mizuki awaits the day that she is free from this.

 'I know NeNe-chan can do this. I just know it. Will she finish, maybe. I will not do the fighting only to intervene to save a life. Other then that no fighting. I can help out but I stay on the sidelines.'

 She made herself promise that. To stay on the sidelines. She doesn't like fighting much. Mizuki is a powerful fighter, equally powerful to Sesshomaru, but she fells like she doesn't need to prove it.

 Inside of Takara's bedroom which is pretty much covered in darkness beside some lightly lit candles on the bed stands. The two dogs half-brothers and their half kitty-demon cousin were standing on three different sides of the lying Takara in her bed. She was breathing very lightly despite of her condition. Her eyelids felt heavy but she managed to keep them open to see her daughter and nephews. “Nekanyou, Sesshomaru, Inuyasha. Please come closer so that I can see you three better.”

 The three demons did what she requested.

 “We're here Mommy.” NeNe reassured her dying mother. “I've brought Inuyasha and Sesshomaru just like you ask.”

 “That's my sweet little kitten.” Takara praised her daughter's accomplishment. She knew that NeNe wouldn't let her down. “Now that you all here I have something to say.”

 “Why did you ask for us Aunt Takara?” Sesshomaru wanted to get the bottom of this.

“Sesshomaru that was rude!” Inuyasha scolded.

 “It's okay Inuyasha.” Takara tried to smooth things out. “Your brother has every right to be cautious.”

 “Half-brothers Aunt Takara.” Sesshomaru reminded her. “His mother was a lowly human.”

 “Hey my father was a human too you know.” Nekanyou didn't like Sesshomaru's attitude towards. “And besides isn't that little girl, Rin, a human as well?”

 “Yeah Sesshomaru not everyone is a high and mighty full demon like you.” Inuyasha got caught up in this heated debate.

 “This has nothing to do with Rin.” Sesshomaru countered. “She came to be on my side on her own will.”

 “Feh probably because she had no other choice.” Inuyasha snorted.

 “Guys don't fight in front of my mother!” NeNe tried to keep the peace between the two feuding brothers.

 Takara couldn't help but laugh at this little display.

 “Um Aunt Takara?” Inuyasha was confused about why she is laughing.

 “Oh you boys remind so much like your father and I.” Takara starts to reminisce about her brother who was Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's father. “We used to fight like that all the time when we we're younger back then. Those were such good days.”

 Inuyasha and Sesshomaru looked at each other and look at their dying aunt. They had no idea she and their father had such a bond between them.

 “Now that you two got all of that out of your system I can tell you what's need to be said.” Takara got their attention. “You three know that I don't have much time left in this world.”

 The three demons nodded sadly.

 “And all know that I must leave all my belongings to whoever is my heir. Well technically my daughter Nekanyou is my heir but since she still has so much to learn I have to make the decision that I leave everything to you three.”

 All three young demons went wide-eyed in shock.

 “You don't mean...” Inuyasha was going to ask Takara but she beat him to it.

 “Yes you three are now the new captains of my ship the Dark Diamond.” Takara concluded. Did I forget to mentioned that Takara was a pirate and the captain of her ship and crew?

 “But why would you leave us such a responsibility as the Dark Diamond?” Sesshomaru wanted to know his aunt's true motivations.

 “You and Inuyasha are the closest thing that my little NeNe has for brothers.” Takara explains. “I've already taught her everything she knows but she still needs guidance that will steer her into the right direction. Until she feels she ready to take the whole role as a true captain you two will be her most trusted advisors. Plus my little kitten adores you both. So what do you have to say? Are any of you up to the challenge?”

 “We need to think about this before we make any decisions.” Sesshomaru notified.

 "Of course I understand.” Takara was considerate about their feelings. “This is all to sudden for all of you. Take all the time you need.”

 “Thank you Mommy.” Nekanyou finished and the trio quietly leave Takara to rest.

 After they left Takara whispered her personal prayer. “My dear brother soon I shall join you in the other world but it is up to us to look over our children. Especially what obstacles that awaits for them on this trip that will be brought to them. They must learn to put away their differences in order to work together and rely on each other. Who knows, maybe my daughter will be the key to get your sons to get along.” She laughed on that final thought.

 When the group comes out from the meeting, Nekanyou rushes to Mizuki.

 “So what did your mother said?” Mizuki asked.

 NeNe told her what Takara told them.

 “Oh dear that is quite the responsibility she gave you three.”

 “Yeah I've always thought that NeNe would be the captain but I guess she feels this is the right thing to do.” Inuyasha gave his opinion.

 “Well Lady Takara believe what she was doing.” Mizuki gave the former captain some credit. “Perhaps she want someone who will handle the situation.

 “Oh Mizuki-chan will please join us?” Nekanyou pleaded giving the servant the big sad kitty eyes. “I can't do this without you.”

 “Of course I will NeNe-chan.” Mizuki accepted. “You know that I could never leave without you.”

 Sesshomaru knew that Mizuki was not telling the full truth. True, she was coming to keep an eye on Nekanyou but just to keep an eye on her. Impossible. A servant has said that Takara has asked for him.

 “Yes Aunt Takara,” he said.

 “You know Mizuki is coming.. I didn't want to tell the others yet but she would be the navigator of the Dark Diamond. She has done this before and I had asked her to help out.”

 'I knew it,' he thought. “Why tell me this?”

 "I know that you don't like her. I want you to watch her.”

 “Why?”

  "Why questioning your aunt? Mizuki needs to be watch. Somewhere on the way, you will meet a group of people that might harm her. They know her weakness, I need you to keep her safe. I know it's hard for you to do so but....”

 He raises an eyebrow.

 “I always had a dream that you two might come together and marry.”

 He kept his cool. “She is just a lowly servant of your household.”

“On your first trip you will learn much more about her then you think.”

With that he left. Her words haunt him. 'learn much more about her.' About a lowly house servant, who'd, been part of Takara's crew before. Why not wish to be better, more powerful, or what. He of course has no use of a wish. Maybe not.