The Compass Ball

Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Inuyasha or any of the other characters or the original story line. I DO own my characters, they're as obvious as the nose on your face.

Nightfall approached and so did the castle on the horizon. Nikki had to admit it was fairly impressive against the rainbow of colors in the sky. The walls surrounding the castle were high and thick as they road thru the gates. Soldiers were on their guard in specific locations and stood at attention not only because of the guests arriving, but because their lord and his eldest son were standing at the doors to welcome them.

"Higashi, welcome!" Nishi said as they bowed. "This is my oldest pup, Sesshomaru." The pride was apparent in his voice as he introduced his son to the lord of the east.

"It is an honor to meet you at last, your father talks about you proudly," Higashi said as Sesshomaru, despite the lack of emotion on his face, seemed to swell a little in pride of the knowledge. "Nishi, you remember my mate Mai and our oldest kitten, Seiji?"

"Of course, Lady Mai, always a pleasure and it's wonderful to see you again as well, Seiji." Nishi chuckled. They watched as the other four boys came out of the carriage. "Good, you brought everyone, but I thought you said you had a daughter Higashi?"

"We do, Nikki," Mai said as she looked at the carriage confused. Higashi turned to the carriage as well waiting for Nikki, who seemed stubborn about coming out.

"Nikki can get a little shy," Higashi said as he walked to a window of the carriage to see Nikki scratching at her ear. "Come on out kitten." Nikki shook her head as she scratched again. "Nikki, it's rude to hide, come out here." Nikki obediently came out of the carriage but immediately moved behind her father as they walked forward.

Sesshomaru looked at this young female as she peaked around her father to look at them. Her large eyes seemed widened with worry as she warily looked around to make sure it was safe. Her brothers were calm and collected; Nikki didn't seem to like strangers as much as they didn't mind them.

"Why don't we get you all inside, the servants will take your stuff to the guest rooms, and we'll see if Nikki can calm down with some food and drink, I'm sure you're all hungry and Izayoi would be thrilled to see you all." Nishi said as they watched her look around, scratching at her left ear almost nonstop.

"Nikki, leave your ear alone," her mother scolded softly as they entered behind their hosts. Nikki held her hands in front of her to stop scratching, though that's when she started to tremble a little. They entered the dining hall to see a human woman seated at the table with an inu hanyou. Also seated at the table was a large family of tora youkai and hanyou.

"Minami, it's good to see you again," Higashi said as they all stood in the doorway, the other lord getting up to greet them. He smiled and nodded as he looked at the large group Higashi had brought with him.

"Always wonderful to see you up and about, Higashi," Minami said with a cool smirk. "I see you've brought everyone this time around." Higashi nodded in agreement as he looked at his family, his daughter still hiding behind him some. "I hear you trained them all yourself?"

"Yes, from the oldest, Seiji, to the youngest, Nikki," Higashi said as they all sat down. "Aren't yours?"

"Kayura doesn't wish for our cubs to know as much fighting, but they are trained in self defense." Minami replied as his mate seemed to scowl and nod.

"Both boys know how to fight," Nishi said proudly as he sat down next to his mate. "Sesshomaru's already working his way up the ranks within the army that way." Minami nodded in agreement as he listened. The younger members of the table seemed to sit awkwardly silent. Nikki was now not only blushing, but shaking like a leaf, as she found herself seated next to the lord's older son.