The Maid!

Chapter Twelve

Reunions and Reflections!

Sesshoumaru flew atop his puff in deep thought all the way back to the castle, Lulu rests in his arms in a peaceful sleep. Entering her room through the window he lays her gently on her bedding, she instantly curls up in a ball and continues her slumber. Standing over her with a thoughtful stare he then turns to leave through the door going down the winding stairs to enter into a large room that Lulu had cleaned from top to bottom. Sesshoumaru gave a growl as the scent of her blood and fear still lingeon hon his clothing. "How is it I never even thought..." Sesshoumaru turns to leave as Jaken comes scurrying up and smacks into his leg. "Jaken draw me a bath."

"Yes, My lord I never expected you back this day My Lord."

"Nor did I." He waves over his head for Jaken to do as he said. "We will l aga again in the morning."

"Yes My Lord." Jaken bows several times until Sesshoumaru is out of sight.

"Verokie these villagers will look after these girls we can return home now." Amilemiles warmly as he watches the men and women of the village care for the injured girls.

"Yes Master." Verokie bows "Can we walk a bit."

Ash smiles down at Verokie placing a hand on his shoulder. "Yes, I suppose you have many questions for me." Verokie nods in agreement, as he turns to follow behind Ash.

"Kagome it is late lets go to our room." Inuyasha turns to walk away but is stopped by her giggles turning around with a tilted head and quirked eyebrow "What are you laughing at."

"Our room, I like the sound of that." She runs up and hugs him tight once more. "Yes let us go to Our room." Giggles. Inuyasha reaches down scoops her from the ground and takes off in a dash to the castle.

Miroku and Sango sit in a comforting embrace as the last rays of sun disappear behind the horizon. Miroku tightens his grip as his voice comes out soft and slow. "Sango"

"Yes." She answers lazily as she snuggles closer to his warm body.

"I meant to tell you something before but never got the chance." Miroku reaches up and smacks his neck then a flattened Myouga floats to the ground. Shippo and Kirara come running to bounce on his lap. "I guess I won't get the chance now either." Miroku smiles as he welcomes the warm embraces of his friends.


"Ash"

"Yes Verokie, ask your questions I will answer them honestly and to the best of my knowledge."

"How long have you known?"

"I have known for many years. I am 150 years his elder and our father figured it out one day when we were out and got in a fight. I got hurt badly by another demon and he saved me. Knowing then by the smell of my blood that I processed his."

"I see, but how come Mother did not want him or you to know?"

"That Verokie I can not answer, I wish I knew but I guess in her heart it was best left unsaid. To protect me maybe or to protect herself from a heart ach, I truly do not know the answer to that one."

"Kif thf the way you won't tell Miss Lulu you Love her."

Ash stops and turns to Verokie with a large warm smile. "Yeah, I guess something like that. Tell me brother does it bother you that I may be in love with a human."

Verokie giggles and pats his brother on the back. "It only bothers me that you do not tell her."

"Your approval is a blessing, little brother."

"Well the more I watch her, the more I know why you have fallen so hard. She truly is a unique character." They both laugh and give warm smiles at one another before disappearing together.

Inuyasha kicks the doors open to his room and flops Kagome on the bed landing on top of her with a bounce, catching her lips in an intense kiss. She melts into him as he starts to wonder her body with his hands. "Inuyasha the door is still open." Inuyasha ignores her as his hands slip up under her top to grab her breast kissing down her neck he gives a moan and Kagome rises up to his touch. "The do She She moans has his mouth covers her breast to suckle. "Inuyasha the..."

"Grrr." Was his answer as he jumps up and runs over kicking the doors shut. He turns to her with a mischief grin as he sheds his clothing walking closer to the bed. "Is that better?" he asks, as he stands naked looking down at her on the bed. "Much" was the only thing she could spit before his lips caught hers once more in a passionate kiss. Undressing her slowly to uncover each precious part of her at a time he hovers over her with a smile filled with passion and want. Inuyasha slowly lowers down on her spreading her legs with his own. "Inuyasha will you still want me when we leave this mountain." Inuyasha nuzzles his head in her neck with a moan and kiss. "I will show you every day how much Kagome."
He answers as he positions himself at her heated entrance. "I only want you more as the days pass." He announces as he slowly enters her a little at a time. "I have never wanted anything as badly as I want you."

"Not even the jewel." She asks with a moan as he slowly moves back and forth adjusting himself and her to the feel. "Not even the jewel." He confirms. Kagome throws her arms and legs around him to rock with each thrust. "OH Please stop teasing." She moans and he picks up his speed.

"Miss Sango, Master Miroku." Ash announces his arrival as he walks up from behind. "I was wondering if I might speak to you." They turn to greet him wi smi smile. "I have something important that I need your opinions on."

"Our opinions." Miroku smiles "I don't think our opinions matter much to The Crystal Master."

"Oh Master Miroku you have found my secret out." Ash smiles warmly and Sango looks at them both with a lost expression.

"It wasn't hard after Myouga told me of the gifts and the tree that produces silk. I deduced that since gie gifts came directly from you that it had to be you. I just don't understand why you hide the fact."

"Things hid from your enemies is a good surprise for them later, wouldn't you agree."

"I didn't know we were your enemy."

"You are not Master Miroku, however the more that know my secret the faster it will spread."

"Yes that I can understand. What is it you wish to ask us."

"I was wondering how your friend Lord Inuyasha likes surprises."

"Surprises?" Miroku looks at Sango then back to Ash. "I guess that would depend on the surprise."

"I was thinking that I would tag along on your journey to the Ice Caped Mountains to meet the Ice Goddess."

"I don't think Inuyasha would have any problems with that."

"Very well then," Ash turns to leave. "I must go say good night to a friend I will see you in the morning. Sleep well." Ash waves over his head as he disappears into the darkness.

"Some how Sango." Miroku pulls her close. "I think he has another surprise for Inuyasha. But I can not pin point what that may be." Miroku stands and grabs Kirara and Shippo. "Let us go to our room for some rest shall we." Sango smiles and nods as she stands to follow him.

It is late; the moon hangs low in the sky when Ash appears in Lulu's room. He sits close to her in deep thought watching her as she sleeps peacefully. Reaching over he brushes her hair with a heavy sigh, wondering what she is dreaming with a smile on her face. Lulu jerks from his touch and wakes up backing up from him on instinct. Then focusing in the dark she realizes it is Ash and scoots quickly to him to wrap herself around him. Still in Sesshoumaru wrap, she curls up to Ash and holds on to him so he will not float away. Squeezing tighter trying to show him how glad she is to see him because words she cannot speak. Reaching up she lays little kisses on his neck and nuzzles closer to him. Ash smiles and kisses her head then resting his head on hers, he squeezes her tight. "Lulu would you go with me I will bring you back before he knows your missing." She squeezes even tighter laying another kiss on his neck. "Then it settled" he sets her down and stands. "Change your clothes" He smiles as he turns his back to her. Lulu gives a smile at the respect he shows her. 'Never as anyone cared for me, I truly hope this is not a dream I wake up from' after changing into a large t-shirt and a pull on skirt she places her arm in is to show she is ready. Ash gives a smile collecting one of her blan he he picks her up in his arms, throwing a crystal down they disappear in the mist and wind.

Sesshoumaru stands tall as the half lit moon shines behind him the wind brushes through his hair and his clothes dance freely. "This is becoming more vexing by the day. How can I keep this up with such an annoying human I must run around and protect? I thought she was sent to help, yet it always turns to more trouble were she is concerned." His face froze with his emotionless expression and his eyes stare beyond the trees. "Yet... I felt obligated to save her. Why? Because of the ringing in my soul?" He moves his gaze to the stares. "Is this misery a punishment? Father can you in all seriousness think that I could fall in love with a human." Sesshoumaru giggles at the thought. "Or was your plan for your eldest to save her. What lessons have you in store for him, I wonder." He smirks at the thought. "And then there is your half-breed son. I have not herd of him in this tale. Do you plan to bring him some sort of torture also."

"Lord Sesshoumaru." Verokie appears in front of him with his head slightly bowed.

"Such surprises could be your death Verokie."

"I didn't know you were one to be surprised." He looks up with a smirk. "Lord Sesshoumaru."

"Did your mettlesome Master send you again."

Verokie shifts his wait as he pulls his arms from behind his back. "Actually. Yes! He wanted me to return these." He throws Lulu's bags at Sesshoumaru feet, "He also wanted you to have this." He then hands Sesshoumaru a Red scroll. "I am also to ask if you would like my assistance on your adventure."

"Assistance... adventure... Ahh! Verokie this is a game and it seems your brother wants to add yet another pawn." Sesshoumaru opens and reads the scroll with tightened lips and a quirked brow. "Yes, Verokie you can tag along, however you are in charge of keeping that human away from me as much a possibtherther wise we have no agreement."

"Agreed Lord Sesshoumaru." Verokie bows "I wonder one thing though."

"Ask."

"Why does it anger you so to know that you have another brother. I would have thought knowing of Ash would put your mind to ease somewhat. He is not a half-breed such as Inuyasha. He is kind and strong he posses more of your father then you will ever know."

"And what would you know of my father, Verokie. You have no clue of anything you are but a weakling just like your Master, or Brother witch ever you prefer."

"Weak!" Verokie giggles as he scratches his head His deep blue eyes shine in the moonlight as his hair sways gracefully around his face. "Is that what you think of Ash. Well Lord Sesshoumaru you better prepare yourself for more surprises because Ash is far from weak and if that is your only reason for hating him so then you will come to find out how wrong you truly are." Verokie bows his head slightly then looks him in the eyes. His face changes from that of an innocent boy to that of a grown man with much wisdom behind his spoken words. "You have once again underestimated by looks alone. I do not understand someone as wise as you, yet very obtuse. I can tell this will be fun to watch unfold." His expression changes again as a smirk perches on his lips. "Well until we leave, good day." Verokie disappears with the flash of steam and wind.

Ash and Lulu appear on a tiny island surrounded by calm waters, the breeze is strong and carries with it the slight smell of honey. Fireflies light up the sky as they swarm over the lake. One single large tree sits in the middle of island and the grass around them is tall mangled with many different wild flowers. "This is my thinking place." Ash smiles as he gently lowers her to stand on her own. "I know everyone has someplace they think of as special and this is mine." He turns to lay the blanket out. "I have some sake." He hands her a jug and she nods a thank you. "Lulu" she turns back to him and her smile fades as she sees the seriousness on his. "I have something to talk to you about and it may not be what you want to hear." She drops her head in sadness as he walks over to her. Lifting her head up by her chin, he smiles down to her. "Well you should hear me out before you look so sad." He pulls her into a tight embrace. "Let us sit." He motions to the blanket and she walks over and sits down Ash sits down beside her with a warm smile he puts a tender arm around her pulling her near. "You're shivering." He takes of his cloak and wraps it around her. She thanks him with a nod and then takes a big swig of Sake she figures she might need it to num the pain. "Lulu do you understand why you must travel with Lord Sesshoumaru?" She nods 'I have to clear my debt with Mr. Carluchi' she answers not knowing why he cannot hear her. Then remembering suddenly about her crystal, she reaches up and grabs it. Ash smiles and lowers her hand. "I have something better, but sadly I will have to take it back after tonight. Understand." Lulu nods as Ash pulls out a tiny flat green crystal and hands it to her. "Swallow this. It may be a little rough but trust me it will not hurt you." Lulu does as instructed. A green light laminates from her throat and she reaches up and grabs it with both hands jumping a little in fright. "It is fine." Ash calms her with his touch and smile as the light disappears. "Now try and say something." He smiles wide.

"Ash." She says weakly as her voice needs warmed up from being dormant.

"I like the sound of that." He giggles and pulls her into another hug. "Now." He pushes her back from him. "We can talk." She nods and takes a sip of sake. "Let me start again. Do you know why you have to stay with Sesshoumaru?"

"Because," she starts weakly, "I have to pay off my debt to Mr. Carluchi."

"Mr. Carluchi?" Ash questions.

"Yeah, see he is this guy, mean guy too, that my brother owes a lot of money to. But he went to jail and I was left to pay it or he was going to kill my mother and me. Witch seeing her die doesn't bother me that much it was my little sister I couldn't watch die and he still has that hold over me because of her."

"You have family, but I thought..." Ash trails off in thought

"Thought what?"

"I thought the plan was to get someone without family, I thought he said you would not be leaving anyone behind."

"Who? What are you talking about Ash, you're scaring me." Lulu backs away from him and looks at him with a stern look in her eyes. "Do you know Mr. Carluchi is this part of a joke."

"No! Lulu I do not know this Mr. Carluchi, I have brought you here to explain something to you I just do not know how to say it."

"Ash all you have to do is say it. I am a big girl and to be honest not much could surprise me."

"Do you know were you are?"

"I am here with you." She looks at him as if he is crazy.

"Do you know how we got here."

"Magic." She giggles. "You are a magician."

"I am a Demon Lulu."

"No Ash you're an Angel that ass Mr. Carluchi and Sesshoumaru are Demons."

Ash giggles. "Well I don't know about Mr. Carluchi but Sesshoumaru is. OK.. Let me try again." Ash stands and starts to pace back and forth in front of her. "First off I was not suppose to be telling you any of this and I was not suppose to get this attached."

"Attached?"

"Yes well that we will go into later right now I want to explain where you are and what you are here for."

"I already know to clean the castle."

"Lulu." Ash giggles and stoops down to look at her. "If you don't let me talk I will talk away your voice again." He smiles warmly while gently rubbing her check. "Now let me talk then it will be your turn ok." Lulu nods with a smile as he stands back up. "Strait forward I will be. You have been sent here to help Sesshoumaru find something of his fathers..." Lulu started to open her mouth but Ash shot her a warm smile and she quickly shuts it again. "I am your appointed guardian, I was only suppose to enter-act with you from a distance, I was to make sure no harm came to you until your task was completed. You my dear Lulu have come to this place from a land we know nothing of. This is a place of war and hate drives every being here unfortunately it drives are dear Sesshoumaru as well. He truly is a Demon one that is not fond of humans. I can only really guess his reasons on that." He bends down to her, grabs her chin, and kisses her passionately. "Bare with me I am trying here." Lulu smiles with a nod as her sake bottle finds her lips again. "I just want you to know that no matter what happens I will always protect you, however after all this is over you can not return home. For one I don't know how to send you back to your land." Ash sighs and sits next to her. "Alright your turn."

"If I can't go home were will I stay?" Ash looks at her with shock and surprise. "What?" Lulu smiles.

"All I have said to you and that is all you can ask." He giggles.

"Well as far as pla place being full of hate, I have to tell you were I come from is full of hate also so really what makes the difference there. And helping that Asshole to find what he wants seems like a pretty easy task, I just want to know what I am suppose to do when it is all over. Do I live on the streets because I have been there and I am here to tell you that's not fun."

"I would love for you to come and live with Verokie, Mother and I if that would be alright with you."

Lulu gulps down the sake she just poured in her mouth. "You mean come work for you right?"

"No I mean come live with us as part of the family."

Lulu froze unsure of what to say or do "Ash why are you so kind to me. What if you found out something about me that you didn't like."

"Lulu the past is just that, and I am sure my past mistakes out weigh yours by a life time."

The sun begins to peek out through the night as its new rays dance on the top of the water. "We must get you back before he misses you."

"That will be the day." She spits and Ash giggles.

"Your are a talker aren't you."

Lulu giggles, "you have no idea." Ash lends over, kisses her, and pulls her tight to him.

"You swa swallow this now, I am sorry." Ash s hes her another crystal a flat light pale pink one then stands as the new sun baths him with its warm rays. "Verokie will travel with you and Sesshoumaru from now on."

"Ash can you get him to stop hearing my thoughts?"

"I can not."

"Will you come for me again."

"Oh Miss Lulu you can count on that." He lifts her up into his arms and they disappear.

A/N... Well I had to give you something... I don't know why but I just c see seem to get over this damn writers block... Tell me Mija did you send it my way...lol... Any way it took me days to write this pitiful chapter I sure hope the next one comes easier and better... so until then... catch you on the flip side... You know maybe I need a little wacky weed to get me going again... I might look into that... LOL... Until we read again... ... ... ... Mules