Disclaimer and summary

 Disclaimer: I don't own the characters from Rumiko Takahashi's manga "Inuyasha".
I own Mai and some other though, as well as the plotline of my story.




Summary:


Mai, Kagome's classmate gets her sould switched with the one of a princess from medieval Japan. Stranded in the feudal era and no abilities except the rational thinking and the talent to get herself into the trouble, she tries to return home.
However, her plan is ruined, once she unwillingly becomes Sesshomaru's servant.
Will she manage to go back to the modern era? Will Kagome and Inuyasha succeed in saving her from Sesshomaru's clutches? And more importantly - will Mai find love?


A romance/adventure story filled with unexpected twists of action, plenty adventure and comedy, drama and the most unlikely romance imagineable.


As an author I can guarantee you, that you won't get bored while reading the adventures of Mai and Sesshomaru.




The Fanfiction and the Mystic Mirror series:


Originally I thought of writing my own book inspired by the folklore and history of Great Britain, Scandinavia, Japan and China. The action takes place in a Callesmere Empire, inhabited both by humans and demons. However, I decided to redo it and make it suit the world of Rumiko Takahashi's manga, as fanfiction.net is a quite writer-friendly site. Currently I'm in the process of recreating the original and posting it on my other blog, so please take a look at it. The structure of the plot is similar, but the characters are different (there is a hot demon male lead though).

www.wyrwas-books.blogspot.com

Chapter 1

Mai, Kagome and math

Mai Asakura was staring at the clock. Only twenty minutes more and the math class will be over. And after that school will be over for a day and she will free to do everything she wanted.

“Let me think… maybe I'll do my history homework first, and then I'll read a book. Yes, I've been waiting all week to read it,” she thought, “Oh, crap. My life is just so dull…”

Mai was an ordinary schoolgirl of the age of seventeen. She had both looks and pretty much everything else maybe, except a social life, since there was none. Unfortunately she inherited her looks from her father. She had shoulder-length brown hair, brown eyes with a little green in them and a perfectly plain looking face – with such a face she always went unnoticed. Mai was rather short, which contrasted with her overly curvaceous body – she wasn't fat, but, well… she could kill for a slender body. She was sick of both girl's snappy teasing and boy's perverted comments. Really, fate was cruel for her.

And then there was her lack of a social life. She hasn’t had friends since middle school. Mai was always slow when it came to befriending people, and every time when she was finally ready to talk to “the target,” it turned out that there were already groups formed. It didn't help that she was a bookworm, and since she had nothing better to do, Mai was good at studying. She had therefore an opinion of a nerd.

“God, it sucks.” thought Mai as the teacher was scribbling something with chalk on the board. Mai lowered her head and closed her eyes. She felt more and more relaxed… and then she neatly fell off the chair as someone slammed the classroom door open. The whole class looked in the direction of the newcomer and in the doorway stood Kagome Higurashi. Her hair was terribly ruffled, her face red and she was obviously out of breath, as though she ran the whole distance between the Higurashi shrine and the school with the speed of an Olympic sprinter.

“I'm… sorry… I'm… late…” Higurashi managed to say. The teacher frowned and ordered her to sit.

“What an idiot.” thought Mai, “She was sick for almost two weeks, and she shows up at the school for the last half of the period. Why bother to come?” Mai frowned, as she noticed the bright looks on the faces of Kagome's friends. “Eri, Yuka and Ayumi – that were their names, right? Oh and the dreamy look on Hojo's face. Damn, she's a lucky one. The prettiest girl in the class has friends, and the most popular guy in the class is chasing her like mad. Not that she would want Hojo-kun anyway. She would want rather someone with more spine, maybe a little dangerous, but kind. Oh, and strong. So that she wouldn't have to beat up those perverted boys on her own anymore. Maybe he should look like that actor; what was his name…?”

“ASAKURA!” The yelling of the teacher woke her from her little dream. She didn't even notice that class was over and students were packing and leaving.

“Umm, what?” she asked mechanically. After she realized what she had done, she glanced up at the teachers face. Kamei-sensei looked like her grandmother when Mai told her she sold her engagement ring to buy books. Teachers face was turning red, his eyes glared daggers.

“Sorry?” tried Mai with an innocent look on her face.

“You should respect your teacher,” stated Kamei-sensei. “Stay after class.”

Mai opened her mouth. She didn't believe it! That ass just made her abandon her hopes for a relaxing Monday.

“What?!” she nearly exclaimed. The teacher gave her THE look. Mai, feeling defeated, sighed and dragged herself after teacher.

Everyone left the school, everyone except Mai, the teacher and Higurashi. Kamei-sensei ignored Mai, who was sitting on the desk, listening about how Higurashi's notes à (as in grades?) dropped and how she needed to improve…

“Asakura!” the teacher addressed her.

“Umm, yes, sensei?” she used her most polite tone.

“As you heard, your classmate, Higurashi, has some difficulties with math. I thought you could help her, considering, that you are at the top of the class…” Mai knew what he was trying to do. He wanted to rob her of her freedom. No way would she spend her free time teaching Higurashi math.

“I am not sure if I have free time…” Mai started.

“I am convinced that it will be beneficial for you. You could get a higher grade.” Kamei-sensei tried to bribe her. But Mai wasn't one of those who gave up easily.

“Really, I don't have time.” she stated firmly. Teacher glared at her. He didn't expect such defiance. Higurashi was only staring at the both with wide eyes. Kamei-sensei smirked.

“Or your grades could drop,” he said smugly. Mai couldn't believe it! How dare he!

“You won't do that.” she said not sure if she was right.

“Oh, you want to try me?” asked the teacher. Mai clenched her teeth. Shit, she was about to lose. She glanced at Higurashi. God, why must she look at me with that hopeful face? Mai sighed.

“I'll do it.” she said finally. An hour a week wouldn't hurt, right?

“It's settled then!” exclaimed teacher and slapped Mai's back happily. “You two start today.”

With those words he walked out of the classroom leaving a depressed Mai and Higurashi.

“So…” Kagome started, “I suppose we could go to my house. Mama will cook nabe for dinner today.”

“Nabe?” asked Mai slowly. That was tempting. Mai couldn't not notice that Kagome was doing her best putting on a happy face and obviously trying to cheer Mai up.

“Oh, yes. And you must know that her cooking is the best. You know what?” Higurashi asked suddenly. “When I think about that, we never introduced ourselves to each other properly. I'm Ka-go-me! I can call you Mai, can't I?” Kagome said cheerfully. Mai stared at her with disbelief. Well, such situation was a first. Apparently Higurashi… emm Kagome was a straightforward person.

“I suppose you can.” Mai answered hesitantly. She thought nothing would stop Kagome from calling her by the name anyway.

On the way to the Higurashi Shrine, Kagome was blabbering about her family, fat cat and nightmares about math. Mai was mostly listening but slowly grew accustomed to Kagome. The conversation went much better after some time.

Luckily, Higurashi wasn't lying about the nabe. Mai was enjoying the meal with Kagome, her grandfather, mother and little brother Sota. The Higurashi family was joking and laughing. It was actually quite nice for Mai.

“Mai?” asked Kagome's mom. The woman seemed to be impersonating kindness.

“Yes, Mrs. Higurashi?”

“Shouldn't you call home? Does your family know that you are staying for a while? Your parents must be worried.” said Kagome's mother with a genuine look of worry on her face.

“No need.” said Mai shortly. “I live alone. Mom died when I was little and dad about two years ago.”

Whole Higurashi family held their breaths and stared at Mai with pity. God, she hated that.

“You are always welcome in our house.” stated Kagome's mother, nearly in tears. She reached out and hugged Mai.

“Come anytime!” added Kagome. Her little brother nodded vigorously. Mai could feel tears welling in her eyes. It felt like family…

“You can be my apprentice.” said grandpa. Mai stared at the old man. If this was a shrine, he should be a priest. Then an idea came to her mind.

“Oh, so Kagome must be a miko!” said Mai laughing at the idea of Higurashi dressed in traditional white and red miko attire chanting some prayers. It would be just hilarious.

“Don't be silly!” answered Kagome laughing nervously. “Actually I AM miko,” thought Kagome to herself.

For the next two hours Mai was trying to explain geometry to Higurashi. At first it was tough. Didn't she at least read notes once? But later on it went much better. Kagome wasn't as dumb as Mai expected; she only needed someone to explain what is what. She would probably have good grades if only she wasn't absent nearly all the time. While Kagome was scribbling on her own, Mai took her time to look around the room. It was pink. Seriously, pink was everywhere; it said that its owner is very womanly and cute. Too bad for Mai that she wasn't like that. She was raised by father, who taught her how to fish, shoot from a bow (although Mai always sucked at this), kill chickens and skin a rabbit. Her father's motto was: “What doesn't kill you will make you stronger.” Perhaps it wasn't the right way to raise a daughter. Mai noticed a couple of photos lying on a bed.

“Kagome, are those the photos from the culture festival?” she asked her new friend.

“Ah, yeah,” She said after a while, still calculating something in her mind. “Take a look, if you want.”

Mai picked up photos. There was one of Kagome and her friends. She noticed that Kagome was cooking, singing in choir and even acting in a play. Mai didn't do anything. With her special talent to be invisible, it wasn't that hard to avoid every one of the stupid festival jobs, but she was a little bit jealous of Kagome. She had those memories; it was some kind of adventure. One of the photos caught Mai's attention. It was one of the boy in the traditional Japanese clothing, vividly red. He had silver hair (probably a wig) and cat or dog ears attached to the top of his head, and a huge sword. Was it made of plastic? Still it should be heavy. Mai remembered that he was helping Kagome and Hojo-kun with the play. The girl squinted her eyes. The guy was strange, but he was handsome. And the way he was acting was totally cool.

“Kagome?” asked Mai. Higurashi said nothing, concentrating so hard, that it was miracle her head didn't blow up yet.

“Kagome!” Kagome turned around on her chair.

“What? I forgot the equation!” Higurashi snapped. Mai chose to ignore her and waved the photo in front of Kagome's eyes.

“Is that your boyfriend?” she asked. Mai didn't have to wait long for the results. Kagome blushed.

“He. Is. Not. My. Boyfriend.” Kagome stated firmly. Mai laughed.

“I heard Ayumi, Yuka and Eri say that he is your boyfriend.” she didn't add that the friends described him as “two-timing scoundrel”.

“Hmpf.” said Kagome and she returned to the math.

Unfortunately, two girls heard just then a male voice yelling:

“KAGOME!” Kagome stiffened, a look of horror on her face. She leapt towards the window and slammed it open.

“GO BACK!” she yelled. Amused, Mai observed her friend with growing smile.

“KAGOME! WE'RE GOING!” the male voice yelled. Mai realized that she had heard the voice before. It was Kagome's boyfriend. She looked at Higurashi. Kagome had an expression of pure rage on her face.

“INUYASHA OSUWARI!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. Mai heard a loud thud. “I have a guest! See you tomorrow!”

Kagome slammed the window shut, breathing heavily. She turned to Mai, only to see a wide smile on the other girl's face.

“So, it IS your boyfriend.” said Mai happily. Kagome sighed in defeat, but she was also relieved.

“You can say so.” she admitted. Unfortunately, Mai wasn't done asking questions.

“What's his name?” Mai asked.

“Oh… Inuyasha.” Kagome answered. Mai furrowed her brows. Inu... Yasha? Like in a “dog” or… “dog demon”? His parents must have had a twisted sense of humor. Poor guy. She decided not to comment on that further.

“He's rather good-looking.” stated Mai, once again looking at the photo.

“Umm,” Kagome agreed. She saw Mai sighing.

“Does he have a brother by chance?” Mai asked abruptly. Kagome coughed in shock, an image of the youkai Sesshomaru in her mind.

“Actually, he has an older brother.”

“You must introduce me to him some day!” said Mai happily while Kagome nearly died of a cough attack this time. Mai was so clueless. And Kagome imagined Sesshomaru – full demon, a perfect killing machine and introducing him to Mai. “Oh, Mai, this is Inuyasha's brother. Be careful when you shake his hand, his claws are poisonous.” No, she had to change subject.

“Mai, I don't really get that equation. Can you lend me a hand on this one?” said Kagome. Both girls leaned over the notes and Mai started explaining the particular equation once more.

Another hour passed like that and the girls decided to call it a day. Mai packed her bag and said goodbye to Kagome, her newly acquired friend and her family. She left Higurashi Shrine in high spirits, never noticing a certain hanyou, who was lying comfortably on the roof and observing her with his golden eyes.

Kagome sighed loudly as she came back to her room. Mai turned out to be a lot nicer and cheerful person than she expected, and she was a great help with math too. Kagome was lucky that Mai didn't notice Inuyasha… or suspected him of being a hanyou. She will be more careful from now on. Kagome felt the cold breeze on her back. She turned around to see Inuyasha sitting on the window frame pouting.

“Why did you HAVE to do it!” he complained.

“I was with a friend and she COULD have seen you.” Annoyed, Kagome poked the hanyou in his chest with her finger. “How many times must I repeat myself, that no one can know that you are not human!”

“Feh!” Inuyasha turned his head. “What's the fuss? I could wear cap your mother gave me.”

“Inuyasha…” Kagome sighed, looking at him. The cap could hide his dog ears, but it couldn't hide his abnormal eye and hair color or claws and fangs. She doubted that Mai would be so stupid not to notice such things. And Kagome would be in BIG trouble. “Inuyasha, just before you show up or call me again, check to make sure she's not around.”

“Such a bother,” mumbled the hanyou. “Pack your things. We leave in the morning.”

Author Note: Please write me a comment. I love reading those.

Chapter 2

Grandpa’s new assistant

Mai was packing her books into her bag. She sighed. She hadn’t seen Kagome in a week now. For a couple of days she went every day to the Higurashi Shrine to teach Kagome math. Basically, she nearly lived there. She ate meals with Kagome’s family, explained some material to Kagome, did her own homework, together with Kagome, and in the meantime was lying on the bed reading books, which belonged to Kagome’s grandpa. For about a week she experienced the feeling of actually having a friend – the one she could talk to and laugh together with.

Now her friend was missing. Of course Mai knew there wasn’t anything unusual about Higurashi not being at school, but earlier she didn’t really care. However, now the situation was different. Her friends mentioned that she was sick. Perhaps Mai should visit her. Yes, she will visit Kagome – cheer her up or do something friends usually do and bring her notes over and get her to study. In the worst case she would use sita-method.

Having decided, Mai set off vigorously for the Higurashi Shrine. “Crap,” she thought, “Why so many stairs?” In the yard grandpa Higurashi was sweeping pathways. Mai waved to him.

“Hello, grandpa Higurashi!” she called. The old man looked slightly bewildered and he was glancing from Mai to the well house. He cleared his throat.

“Umm… Hello, Mai. Nice to see you again.”

“Kagome’s sick?” asked Mai. “I brought notes and homework. I want to say hello to her and cheer her up.”

“It’s impossible!” exclaimed grandpa Higurashi, grabbing Mai’s shoulders. He stared intensely into her eyes. “She has smallpox, and it’s serious. And highly contagious.”

“Oh.” said Mai, trying to break free of grandpa’s hold, but it was too strong. “I had smallpox when I was four. I won’t get sick.”

“It’s bird smallpox!” said grandpa. Mai looked baffled. She has heard of bird flu, but bird smallpox…? She was almost positive something like that didn’t exist. She tried to free herself from old man’s grasp once again, and again she failed. The old bugger was holding her stronger than she thought he would.

“Alright, but please pass these notes to her, and tell her there is a test in Japanese next week.” Mai gave up. “Oh, here’s the book you lent me. Can I have another one?”

Grandpa brightened up now that Mai was not insisting on seeing Kagome.

“Follow me.” he said and led the girl to the storage house.

Mai looked around, amazed at how much junk the old man had here. There were so many vases, strange artifacts, and old scrolls and books that grandpa was claiming were authentic. Who would believe that? Grandpa climbed on a stool and was looking for something among old tomes while Mai stood with her arms folded.

“Grandpa Higurashi?” she started. The old man mumbled something inaudible as one of the tomes fell on his head. Mai sighed and continued, “You could use some cleaning up here, wouldn’t you say? And I don’t really have much to do. So maybe I could help you some day?”

Before she began tutoring Kagome, Mai got used to spending time alone, reading. She had to admit though, that now she missed human company. Books were fun as always, but she liked being with Kagome’s family even better.

Grandpa Higurashi thought that the girl had a point. He could use a helping hand around here. His daughter was busy with work and housekeeping, Souta was still small and Kagome… she was never interested in the Shrine and was always busy travelling to feudal era. An assistant would be in order, but he had to keep Kagome’s travels secret. He had an idea…

“You start tomorrow then.” grandpa Higurashi decided. Mai’s green eyes brightened with joy. She will have a chance to go through all those weird things. Legally. She couldn’t hide how excited she was.

“Which do you want? About healing herbs or demons?” The voice of grandpa Higurashi returned Mai to reality. The old man was holding two books.

“Demons, of course!” answered Mai, reaching for the book. “I’ll come tomorrow after school then, and say hi to Kagome!”

Mai quickly threw the book into her bag and darted off to her own apartment. She restrained herself from skipping and singing. That would be just pathetic, but she really felt like this today. During the past week her life changed abruptly. She gained a friend – unfortunately unavailable right now -- a substitute for a family and an interesting part-time job, and she had more people to talk to than just to the old librarian. Mai darted to her apartment and slammed door shut. She kicked off her shoes, took out the book, the one grandpa Higurashi gave her, threw herself onto couch and started to read. The tome was like an encyclopedia – it described various types of demons, their habits, origin and stories about them. Mai had loved reading mythologies since childhood – every one: Greek, Roman, Scandinavian, Chinese, and of course Japanese.

Mai went to the kitchen and opened fridge only to discover that all the food had already expired. She made herself coffee instead. Mad, she went back towards the couch and continued reading. Where was she? Ah, dog demons. Mai learned that those were particularly powerful ones, had white fur and golden eyes. In human form they would have white hair. Hmm… white… Mai remembered. Kagome’s boyfriend… what was his name again… something funny… got it! Inuyasha! Yes, that was his name. He must have had a costume of a dog demon during culture festival. Well… it wasn’t so surprising considering the name of the poor guy. Mai yawned, read several more fantastic stories about dog demons – she particularly liked the one about dog demon king and beautiful princess – and she fell asleep still in her clothes.

Mai lazily opened her eyes and glanced at the clock. “Oh, it’s eleven.” Suddenly Mai sat up, panicking as she realized it was already morning… no, nearly noon and she was not in school! Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. She would be so dead. She showered quickly and dressed herself in a fresh uniform, grabbed the books she needed and ran to the school, her hair still wet and clinging to her face. What a terrible day! Mai had never once come to school late.

“I’m late!” she screamed as she darted into classroom. The math teacher looked at her, obviously annoyed.

“I’m sure that everyone noticed. Now sit. It seems you are around Higurashi too much for your own good, Asakura, and next time dress properly.” he said pointing at her wet uniform.

Mai looked down. The uniform put on her wet body was clinging to Mai tightly, leaving very little to imagination. Boys whistled and Mai got red. She ran over to her desk and started unpacking. She couldn’t find her math textbook though. She packed the tome about demons instead. Not to add that Kagome was nowhere in sight, probably still sick. “What a nightmare. This day just can’t get any worse.”

Mai didn’t know how wrong she was.

In the meantime, grandpa Higurashi was installing a lock on the door to well house. One key he hid in the pocket of his sleeve, and the other placed near the door inside the building, along with a note to Kagome, which forbade her to go out if the door was locked or to sneak into house. With a satisfied smile, the old man locked the door and waited for his new assistant.

And there she came, looking furious and unkempt. Her hair, now dry, hadn’t been touched by a brush today. She reminded him of his granddaughter.

“I’m ready.” stated Mai, and she stomped over to the storage house. Grandpa sighed and followed the girl.

For the next few hours they were segregating numerous items and Mai was making a list. In the meantime, Kagome’s mom brought dinner.

“Can I see Kagome today?” asked Mai. Kagome’s mom shifted her gaze uneasily.

“Maybe sometime later. Oh, I must go look for Souta.” with those words Mrs. Higurashi nearly escaped. “Something here smells fishy,” thought Mai.

They wouldn’t let her see Kagome and they’re obviously lying. Mai was never the quickest one when it came to discerning lies from the truth, but this deception was apparent even for her. The girl decided to leave the matter alone for now. “I’ll figure it out later.” She looked at the next item. It was a sheathed sword. Mai wondered if it was sharp. Well, there was only one way to find out. She tried to pull it out of the sheath. Nothing. She tried harder, but it still wouldn’t come out.

“Uff, Grandpa Higurashi!” Mai called to get the old man’s attention. “The sword must be rusty. What sword is it supposed to be?”

“Ooo, it’s an important heirloom. It’s the Murakumo no Tsurugi and was passed down through generations…”

“I think it’s fake.” Mai interrupted him. She read about that legendary sword, but she was nearly sure it wasn’t the same sword she was holding. Grandpa frowned.

“On the sheath it says: Murakumo no Tsurugi,” the old man defended himself. Mai brought the sword closer to her eyes to read the characters.

“I believe you got one character wrong. If you read it differently, as in “fang” you get “Sounga,” said Mai, but grandpa wasn’t ready to give up.

“So you say it’s worthless?”

“I didn’t say that!” exclaimed Mai. “This sword may not be the Murakumo no Tsurugi, but it’s very old. I bet it has some amazing history!”

“It’s Murakumo no Tsurugi,” stated grandpa stubbornly. Mai opened her mouth to argue more, but a loud noise from the well house interrupted her. The girl grabbed grandpa’s arm and began pulling him towards the well house.

“It may be thieves,” said Mai. “Mrs. Higurashi and Souta should be out shopping.”

Mai, along with grandpa being dragged behind her, found themselves in front of the well house; the door was wide open. Grandpa muttered a curse under his nose. Mai darted into the well house, and the old man couldn’t stop her. She looked around and found nothing out of the ordinary. She even looked inside the well, but there was also nothing was to be found. Mai went outside and noticed something bright yellow in the bushes near the old tree Goshinboku. It was a backpack, and it looked a lot like Kagome’s. She wanted to examine it closer, but grandpa snatched it quickly from her hands.

“Oh, thank you Mai. You’re such a good girl. I’ve been looking for this all morning. Now let’s continue our work. We’re still not done yet.” with those words, he ushered her in the direction of storage house. Mai followed reluctantly.

Meanwhile behind the Goshinboku, Kagome and Inuyasha let out their breaths. Both were still plastered to the tree in a tight embrace.

“She’s gone,” stated Inuyasha sniffing air.

“Ekhem,” Kagome cleared her throat. “Inuyasha, you’re crushing my ribs.”

Inuyasha looked at her, surprised, when she spoke and realized the position they were in. He quickly released her. Both Inuyasha and Kagome looked away, blushing.

“That was close.” said Kagome, mostly to break uncomfortable silence. The hanyou nodded.

“What is she doing here anyway? You should just get rid of her!” he snapped angrily.

“Inuyasha,” Kagome said quietly, her eyes sending death glares towards Inuyasha. “Osuwari.”

Mai thought she heard a thud.

“Don’t pay attention.” grandpa said wearily.