The Compass Ball

Chapter 6

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.

The next morning Mai woke up her kittens and they all got dressed and ready for their day in the carriage home. They ate breakfast with the other parties that joined them at the castle, the ookami from the north were leaving early as well, while the tora from the south were staying behind for a little bit.

At the table, Nikki was seated next to Sesshomaru again, who was silent. He looked stony face and irritated but otherwise typical Sesshomaru. Nikki looked and noticed his brother and father looked the same, but it was obvious they weren't sharing the disturbing family secret. Her father didn't seem to be attempting to pester for information, so she decided neither would she. Mai and Izayoi were happily chattering away about how wonderfully the night before went and how they should hold it again in the Eastern Lands this time. Nikki rolled her eyes at the thought of Sesshomaru staying with them, but said nothing on the subject.

After breakfast they walked outside to see two carriages for the two rather large families. This surprised Nikki, she figured the ookami had roamed this way as that's generally the way they do things. Shrugging it off, she bowed with her brothers towards Nishi, Izayoi, Sesshomaru, and Inuyasha. Mai and Higashi thanked them for their hospitality.

"Nikki," Sesshomaru said, waving her over before she got into her own carriage. Nikki walked over to him and a little ways away from the group.

"What's wrong?" she asked him softly. He looked at her surprised. "Trust me, after a day of arguing with you, one learns how to read the emotions despite the lack there of. You seem upset about something."

"We have received threats to the castle and kingdom," Sesshomaru told her. Nikki looked at him surprised, not only was it serious but very dangerous for anything or one to post a threat about a lord and his entire kingdom. "Father feels we are going to war."

"I'm sorry," she said softly as she looked down to think, it was obvious she was upset for him. "I hope that you make it thru it, Sesshomaru." He looked at her and nodded as he seemed to think. "If there is anything you need me to do..."

"I want you to write to me," he said softly as she smiled weakly and nodded. "Even if it's just to create an argument." Nikki chuckled as she thought.

"I think we can work something out, though I honestly don't know how an argument on paper sounds." She said as he nodded in agreement. He was certain they'd work something out, they always did.

"Your family is ready," Sesshomaru told her as he looked over to see her father looking for her. Nikki nodded as she looked as well and returned to facing him.

"Good luck Sesshomaru, though I don't think this is our final meeting." She said with a weak smile. Sesshomaru nodded before pulling her into a hug. She hugged him back tightly as she thought. There were a million things she could say to him, but none of them would willingly come out. "And just remember, a female has her own reasons for picking on a male." Sesshomaru nodded, his face still emotionless, causing her to laugh a little. "Don't change." With that she left him alone in their hiding spot, watching as she climbed securely into her carriage and it taking off. He sighed before walking out and revealing himself to his father and stepmother. He'd still be able to argue with Nikki, he'd just have to remember her facial expressions for now.

t%3A115��R~���