InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ Relations ( Chapter 10 )

Disclaimer: "If I give up Inu, can I have Sessy?"

"Sessy-sama, you can't give up something you don't have."

"Ok, you drive a hard bargain, Inu and Kagome, but I keep Sessy and Miroku."

Yoshimi comes back! A chapter for her, but there is a time jump again, bout 4 years again. I will do my best to make clear their ages, if any questions about it tell me.

`Baka' is used in this chp, means `stupid' or `idiot'.

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"Yoshimi!"

Saraku's prominent voice echoed through the halls of the bathhouse. It was early and Saraku had just finished her morning training. Instead of returning to the castle to wash up she had decided to come to the village and visit her friend. The sound of hurried footsteps increased and was quickly followed by the appearance of a twenty-year-old human woman who was frantically drying her arms against her apron. Yoshimi looked at Saraku with exacerbation as she tried to calm her breathing.

"Saraku-sama, must you do this every time you come? You are not my only customer."

"But I am your most important," Saraku said, smiling.

Yoshimi sighed and shook her head. "Follow me, Saraku-sama."

She directed Saraku to a small changing room with robes hanging on the walls and towels stacked in the corner. Yoshimi stood at the doorway as Saraku picked one of the robes to change into.

"If you would be ever so kind, Saraku-sama, might I ask to finish up with my current customer while you change?"

Saraku rolled her eyes and spoke sarcastically, "Well, if you really think it is best to leave me all alone when I am one of the heirs to the Western Lands and such a good friend to you."

"Why, thank you, Saraku-sama," Yoshimi said, turning and hurrying down the hall.

"Hey! You're supposed to say `of course not'!"

"Too late, Saraku-sama!" Yoshimi called out laughing as she turned down another hall.

Saraku smiled and closed the door. She enjoyed taunting Yoshimi, and Yoshimi enjoyed teasing her back. She was one of the few people that Saraku allowed to act in such a way towards her. She was just always playful around Yoshimi and didn't feel silly for acting up.

Saraku quickly changed into the white robe and waited. Her canine ears twitched as she listened to the happenings of the bathhouse. There were two other customers currently there. Yoshimi was obviously taking care of one of them, and another servant seemed to be tending to the other since Saraku could hear Saka talking to someone in the cellar where the laundry was taken. Various people were cleaning rooms while it sounded like a few others were preparing for her bath.

Soon Saraku heard Yoshimi's voice thanking her customer before heading back to the changing room. Saraku leaned back against the bench she sat on and put on one of the most bored expressions she could manage, her fingers tapped impatiently against the wood. As the door slid open Saraku began running her tongue over her teeth as if trying to clean them, paying close attention to her fangs.

"Well, forgive me, Saraku-sama," Yoshimi said, her eyes rolling back sarcastically. "My most sincere apologies for keeping you waiting. Please allow me to make amends, and I shall never leave you to wait again."

Saraku looked towards Yoshimi with a judging expression on her face. "Liar."

"Of course, Saraku-sama."

The hanyou's body shot up, her hands slamming down on the wooden bench. "You aren't supposed to agree with me now!" Saraku crossed her arm and turned her nose up to Yoshimi.

"My, my, what a sight." Yoshimi could barely hold in her laughter. "Don't tell me that the daughter of Sesshoumaru-sama is pouting. It doesn't become you, Saraku-sama."

Saraku sent a sidelong glance at her friend, while her insulted expression remained on her face. A few seconds passed followed by another glance, this time to see Yoshimi mimicking Saraku's expression. She had to bite into her cheek to keep from laughing, though her scowl was quickly losing its form. At the third glance, and the extremely exaggerated expression on Yoshimi's face, Saraku burst out laughing with her friend soon following suit. Once they composed themselves Yoshimi motioned for Saraku to follow.

"So, Saraku-sama, any special reason you are visiting today?" Yoshimi asked as she led the fifteen-year-old through the bathhouse.

Even though Yoshimi was five years older than Saraku, the young hanyou was already almost a head taller than the human woman. Saraku had grown much in the last two years, her body having gained its height and strength from her father while its form was beginning to take on her mother's more feminine features.

"I felt like being waited on," Saraku said mischievously.

Yoshimi looked doubtful. "Firstly, you hate being waited on. And secondly, even if you really wanted to you could have easily done so at the castle."

"True, Yoshimi, but the company is so much better here. Besides why do I need a reason to do anything? If I want to, it shouldn't be questioned."

Yoshimi laughed as she opened the door to one of the baths and motioned for Saraku to enter. "You know, you get more arrogant every time you come to visit."

"Why thank you. I do work so hard on it, though perhaps that was more snobbish than arrogant. I'll have to fix that."

"Indeed."

The women's laughter filled the small room as they struggled to compose themselves. Once they were calm Yoshimi directed Saraku to the large tub in the center of the room. On the far side there was a much smaller tug placed at the outer rim. Saraku removed her robe and gracefully lowered herself into the hot water. She slid over to the far end and rested her neck against the edge. The steaming, scented bath quickly relieved the tension in her muscles. Yoshimi sat on a small stool behind the smaller tub and was slowly undoing Saraku long braid.

"Saraku-sama, this is when your hair is too long. I have to use a separate tub just to wash it."

Saraku smirked. "Yoshimi, you complain about that every time I come. One would think you would be used to it by now."

"But it is such a troublesome thing to do. Why don't you ever cut it?"

"It is one of my more fun weapons."

"Weapons?" Yoshimi asked, pausing momentarily in her confusion.

"I take it you've never been hit with a braid before. Just ask Seto, it can hurt, especially a wet braid. Seto never learns that when I turn he has to block not only my hands or feet, but my braid too. It can confuse an enemy for a moment, gives you an advantage in a fight."

"Couldn't they just grab it to hold you in place though?"

Saraku sighed. "That is the downside. But as long as I am faster than them that doesn't matter, besides if it ever did happen I would just cut it to free myself."

"I guess that makes sense." Yoshimi finished unbraiding Saraku's black and white hair and slowly dipped it into the small tub. "So, Saraku-sama, what is the real reason you can to visit today?"

"I came to see you before we left. Makoto and Tanshin's wedding is in three days. We are heading out the day after tomorrow."

Yoshimi began washing and rinsing the long locks as she talked. "Even Sesshoumaru-sama? No offense, but he has never appeared the celebration type."

"Chichiue got sucked into it," Saraku said laughing. "I was definitely going, and since I'm going Seto is, and since Seto and I are, Okaasan is, and if Okaasan goes then Chichiue does too."

"I see. How old is Makoto?"

Saraku thought for a moment. "Well, Makoto is three years older than me, so eight-teen."

"But if she is part demon, doesn't that mean she ages differently?"

"Yeah, she is eight-teen but she appears a few years younger. Makoto and her brothers age slower than normal humans. That is why they are getting married even though she is, by demon terms, extremely young. If they wait much longer Tanshin and Makoto will look very different age wise."

Saraku lowered her head slightly, her eyes having lost their previous playfulness. Yoshimi finished with Saraku's hair and grabbed a few rags to begin washing Saraku's legs. A concerned expression formed as she saw the sullen appearance of Saraku's face.

"Is there something wrong?"

Saraku kept her downcast gaze on the slowly moving water. "It's just, no one is sure the marking will work."

"What do you mean, work?"

"Like with Okaasan or Kagome. When they were marked they stopped aging, so that they will live as long as their mates. But Makoto is only a quarter demon, no one knows if she has enough demon blood to make the mark stop Tanshin's aging. If she doesn't, even though Makoto will live a long time, Tanshin will only have a normal human life span. Makoto will be very sad if the marking doesn't work. That's the other reason they are marrying so early for her."

Yoshimi nodded her understanding. "Human's their age normally have children already. If Tanshin only has a human's life then they deserve at least some time together."

Saraku stared at her friend slightly confused. "Yoshimi, you're older than Makoto and you aren't married."

Yoshimi laughed. "There are a total of ten humans in this village, six are women and all are servants of some kind."

"Do you want to go to another village? A human village? I am sure InuYasha's would take you in. You could probably find a husband quickly, you're very pretty."

Yoshimi lowered her head to hide the crimson color in her cheeks. "It is not that. Saka-sama asked me a few years ago if I wished to leave, but I like my life here. I am treated well, fed, clothed, and sheltered. If there is anything I want and it is reasonable, Saka-sama has no problem letting me have it. I am content here."

"But what about getting married, don't humans want that?"

"Of course."

Yoshimi's face was completely flushed now and she busied herself with washing Saraku's arms. As her head tilted lower to hide her face a shimmer of light in Yoshimi's black hair caught Saraku's eye. It was a silver comb holding up Yoshimi's hair so it wouldn't get wet while she worked. Saraku smirked as she began to figure out the reason for Yoshimi's blush.

"What an expensive looking comb you have, Yoshimi. It isn't like you to ask for such a useless decoration. You are more practical than that. Could it be one of those four men actually is interested in you?"

Saraku was sure that if Yoshimi lowered her head anymore she would be in the water.

"Maybe I should ask some of the other servants here, I bet I could find out who gave you that."

"You would, but he isn't the one who actually sent it," Yoshimi said in a hesitant whisper. "He was just acting as messenger."

"Really? So who is the one who sent it?"

Yoshimi remained quiet so Saraku thought up a new approach.

"Who is the messenger? Don't make me order you to tell me."

"Saizo."

"Saizo? Saizo is the messenger?" Yoshimi nodded while Saraku tried to remember exactly who Saizo was. "Saizo…wait isn't he Neji's servant?"

Yoshimi nodded again.

"It isn't Neji, is it?" Saraku asked, shocked at the possibility.

Neji was one of the oldest demons in the village, older than Sesshoumaru. He had several children, all pure snake demons, though never taken a permanent mate before. But even if he had never mated Neji was not one to make such an advance on a female lightly. If it really was him, he probably had thought a lot about it. Not only would such a gift be considered courting Yoshimi, but she was human. If he actually intended for a real relationship that would either mean he marked her and increased her life, or he was willing to take care of her even after she had grown old. Saraku refused the possibility he just wanted a casual fling, Neji was better than that.

Saraku looked at the scarlet face of her friend. It had to be Neji, Saizo wouldn't do errands for anyone else. "Yoshimi?"

"Neji-sama has been very gracious towards me," Yoshimi said, her face still hidden. "Though, he only speaks with me here is the bathhouse. Anything else happens through Saizo, which is why most people believe Saizo is the one interested. The fact he is human makes it appear even more so. I suppose that is well, no one suspects Neji-sama."

Saraku could hear a slight pain in Yoshimi's last statement. "Do you not like that? I won't allow him to upset you, Yoshimi. I don't care if it is Neji."

Yoshimi finally lifted her head gave an obviously fake smile to Saraku.

"It isn't like that. I understand where he is coming from. I mean, I am human, and even here there are many who don't agree with becoming close to humans. Neji-sama doesn't wish it to be known yet, and I can understand that."

"But you don't like it?" Saraku questioned again.

"I love it when he comes to the bathhouse. We talk the whole time. And since he is a rather old demon he has many things to speak of. He told me about lots of the places he has been to in his life. Some of them sound so amazing."

"But you don't like he keeps it quiet?"

"I understand…"

"Yoshimi!" Saraku yelled, annoyed she wasn't getting a straight answer.

The woman looked away. "No, I don't. It makes it seem like it really isn't important to him. Like it's just a passing fancy that he will tire of then be done with, and no one will ever know it happened."

"That doesn't sound like Neji. Nothing is taken lightly with him," Saraku said hoping to comfort Yoshimi.

"I know. I have talked with Saka-sama about it and she has said the same. He is just trying to protect his reputation until he is sure he wishes to advance the relationship. That is what Saka-sama said. By spending time with me here he is able to talk with me without there being any suspicion, and since Saizo is sent with any gifts, people think he is the one giving them. I understand the reasoning, but that doesn't mean I have to like it."

They remained in silence for a while, Yoshimi moving to clean off Saraku's back, which took her out of sight. The quiet atmosphere was rare between the two and Saraku didn't like it, though the only question she wanted to ask would probably increase it. Not being one to be timid Saraku decided to just ask it and be done.

"Yoshimi, do you even want a relationship with a demon?"

She remained silent and Saraku wasn't sure if she was going to answer her. Finally, a soft voice came from behind.

"I wouldn't have thought so, even after living here, but I enjoy my time spent with Neji-sama. I wouldn't mind such a thing with him, and I know I would be protected and cared for if it did happen."

"You would also be in danger. I know people have tried to hurt Okaasan before that's why Chichiue is so protective of her. Any of his enemies would see you as a weakness to him. That may be another reason he wants it discreet, to protect you."

"I hadn't thought of that," she replied softly.

Yoshimi returned her attention to Saraku's now semi-dry hair and began wringing out the excess water. When it was mostly wrung out Yoshimi pushed the smaller tub away and retrieved a brush from her apron. The coarse bristles easily separated Saraku's silky hair, freeing it of any knots or tangles that were trying to form throughout its extensive length. Once brushed she began the troublesome job of braiding. Saraku herself had become so used to it that it took her no more than a minute or so to do, but for someone else it was a tireless effort to get all her hair to behave properly.

"Yoshimi," Saraku said to relieve the uneasy tension between them, "why don't you come and stay at the castle until we leave. It has been a while since you came and visited, and Seto wouldn't mind seeing you I'm sure. You can have two days off, just tell Saka I ordered it. She knows I make stupid demands out of nowhere. What do you say?"

Yoshimi thought a moment. "Two days off, you say? Sounds like fun."

"Then it's settled, you'll come home with me."

"Wait…does it have to…I mean, I know my way to the castle…and I have duties still today." Yoshimi lowered her head slightly, her crimson blush returning with renewed force.

"Yoshimi?" Saraku asked genuinely perplexed.

"It's just that…well, Neji-sama is scheduled to come in later today."

Saraku burst out laughing which yanked her hair from Yoshimi's grasp, forcing her to lose the tight form she had tirelessly been working on. A definite scowl formed on the annoyed woman's face. Saraku brushed it off and took the extensive mane into her skilled hands. Within a minute the braid was finished and whipped back for Yoshimi to tie the end. Saraku turned so she could look directly at her friend.

"Will you have enough time to get to the castle by dark?"

Yoshimi nodded. "Neji-sama is scheduled shortly after noon, and it takes me less than two hours to walk to the castle."

"Alright then, come after that. I'll be expecting you by dinner though."

"Of course, Saraku-sama."

Saraku smiled brightly. Yoshimi went to the corner of the room and retrieved a towel for Saraku to dry off with. The hanyou quickly stood and exited the tub, taking the towel from Yoshimi as she did. Saraku had little modesty in front of Yoshimi. They had been friends for almost eight years and Yoshimi did work in a bathhouse.

Yoshimi brought the robe for Saraku once she was done drying and they headed back to the changing room. The two said their good-byes and Saraku hurried to change back into her normal clothes. Her outfit had changed slightly since she was a child. The style was the same, pants, shirt, a sleeveless shin-length robe, and a sash to hold it at the waist, but the colors were different. As a child it had always been black and white, the only color being the red sash, but now, her pants and shirt were both black, the robe was a deep burgundy, and the only white left was the thin sash.

Saraku left the bathhouse and began the trip home. Though Yoshimi said it would take her almost two hours, Saraku had cut it down to a little more than half an hour, and she was proud of that. Saraku's speed was her best trait, and now only Sesshoumaru himself was able to keep up with her.

As she neared the castle an unusual scent hung in the wind, human blood. Saraku quickened her pace, but soon figured out it was not her mother's scent. The castle itself appeared normal, servants moving about to do their duties, her family's scents covering the area, nothing out of the ordinary. Saraku casually tracked the source of the blood to the edge of the northern gardens. Seto sat watching as the servants cleaned two large pools of blood on the ground.

Saraku squatted down next to her brother. "What happened?"

"Two people came and tried to attack Chichiue. Pretty silly of them," the eight-year-old boy said nonchalantly.

"Stupid if you ask me. But did he have to kill them here? The blood is gonna stink up the garden."

"Well that's why they are cleaning it up," Seto said in a childish matter-of-fact tone, which earned him a smack upside the head.

"That's obvious, but it will take a week or so till the smell really goes away." Saraku dropped onto the cool grass and stared up at the passing clouds. "Couldn't he have taken them into the forest, then the animals would have gotten rid of them. Oh well, can't do anything about it now, I suppose."

Seto pulled at her sleeve for attention. "Aneue, why do people try to hurt us? Don't they know Chichiue will kill them?"

Saraku looked into Seto's soft amber eyes, and saw an innocence and naiveté that only he had left. She brushed his short white hair behind his ears admiring how much he resembled their father.

"Humans can be stupid, but then again demons can be too. Fools will do what they want. Any fool who comes here though can only be assured of death. Chichiue has no tolerance for the ramblings of fools."

"But you say I am foolish all the time and Chichiue never hurts me."

"Baka," Saraku said, drawing the word out to emphasize his stupidity. "You are his son, Chichiue would never hurt you. Besides when I say you are foolish it just means you are acting childish."

"Oh, ok." Seto eyes lifted to the slowly darkening sky. "Clouds are nice."

Saraku burst out laughing, her head shaking as she tried to catch her breath. "Where in the world did that come from?"

"Well, they are. I like the gray ones the best, it means it will rain." Seto's playful gaze returned to his sister. "Hey, maybe the smell will go away quicker if it rains."

"Rain?"

Saraku watched the passing clouds carefully, each becoming a darker shade of gray. The humidity had increased slightly. Seto was right, it would rain soon, and by the looks, it was going to be a storm. Suddenly, Saraku's eyes widened.

"Damn! Yoshimi is going to get caught in the storm if it comes too soon."

"Yoshimi? Yoshimi is coming to visit?"

"Yeah, but if the weather gets bad too soon she might get caught in it."

"That wouldn't be good."

"No, it wouldn't. Let's hope the storm stays away long enough for her to get here."

Seto firmly nodded, which made a gentle smile form on Saraku otherwise worried face. He may look like Sesshoumaru but he definitely didn't act like him. She stood up and yanked Seto up by the collar of his haori till his feet scrambled desperately in the air.

"Come on, you don't need to be just watching them clean up."

"Aneue! Let me down!" he screamed frantically tying to claw Saraku's hand.

Saraku just laughed and threw her arm over her shoulder so their backs rested against each other. "I'll let you go when you make me."

"Aneue!"

As she carried him back to the castle the human stench was still in her nose even though they were away from the blood. The further she got the more distinct the scent got. She stopped a moment and turned to try and catch the scent in the wind.

"What is it, Aneue?" a more subdued Seto asked.

She waited a moment more but couldn't smell anything. Saraku shook her head free of the confusing scents.

"Nothing, just my imagination."

As morning passed to noon the skies managed to keep mostly clear of the foreboding formations, but as the afternoon progressed the only light that remained was the slight illumination of the blackened haze. Saraku watched as the winds brought stronger and more malicious looking creatures to block the sun.

Yoshimi probably is only half way here. This isn't going to be a very easy storm, it could be dangerous for her to be walking alone. Should I go looking for her before it is too late?

Saraku took a deep breath and could feel the moisture pressing against her lungs. The air was heavy, the sky threatening, and the wind rising in velocity. Yoshimi wasn't going to make it. Saraku got up and was about to leave when she heard a voice calling out to her.

"Aneue! Aneue!" Seto cried frantically.

She hurried to her brother and placed a reassuring grip on his shoulders. "What is it Seto?"

"Chichiue wants you right now. Someone else tried to attack, but he says you might not want him hurt. He wants you to come right away."

Saraku stared at him bewildered. If someone attacked then of course she wanted them dead. You can't let them live for a second attempt. Saraku nodded and allowed Seto to lead her away. They went to the eastern fields, where Ahun normally roamed about, to find Sesshoumaru with a very strong hold on the neck of a young human no older than Saraku. She approached them, and studied the human. Yes, she knew him.

His brown hair was disheveled, mostly from his struggle against Sesshoumaru, and his eyes showed intense malice towards them. That Saraku probably wouldn't have recognized, but the scent was unmistakable. This was Yoshimi's brother.

Sesshoumaru turned his attention to Saraku, a questioning look on his face.

"No, please don't kill him."

Sesshoumaru released the human and headed back to the castle. "He is your responsibility. I will kill him if he attacks again."

"Of course, Chichiue." Saraku nodded as he passed her.

She waited until her father was completely out of range before questioning the young man. A deadly glare was directed at Saraku but she wasn't intimidated by it. The man slowly rose to his feet as he rubbed his sore neck.

"You should have let him kill me," he said disdainfully. "I won't stop till I kill all you bastards."

Saraku slapped the man hard across the face, causing an immediate bruise to form on his left cheek. Yoshimi better appreciate her restraint. "You had best learn to hold your tongue in our lands. You have no idea what will come of such disrespect. Be glad that I did save your worthless life."

"I will kill all of you to avenge my sister."

A backhanded strike to his right cheek was Saraku's response. She would not have her family threatened. The human wiped away a small line of blood falling from his mouth.

"Do not speak of things you don't know about."

Seto tugged at Saraku's clothes. "Aneue, who is that?"

Saraku's eyes began to travel to her brother but never made it. The sound of metal against leather rung clear in her sensitive ears and Saraku moved to grasp the man's neck and right wrist before the dagger blade was halfway out. A low growl resonated deep within her throat as her fingers tightened around his wrist, shattering the bones beneath.

"If you even dare to think of drawing a weapon against me or my kin I will kill you regardless of your relation to Yoshimi. Remember this."

She released him and watched as he fell to the ground, cradling his broken wrist against his chest. Both pain and shock filled his brown eyes and he slowly lifted his head to her.

"Yoshimi…she is alive?"

"What, did you think Chichiue killed her when your pathetic excuse for a village forfeited her life?"

"Everyone said that he must have killed her."

For Yoshimi's sake, Saraku suppressed her instinct to punch him. He was her brother and must have been worried. That gave him no right to attack them, but she would try and show some restraint.

"If you wait, Yoshimi is on her way here. If you fail to act appropriately though, you will die before she arrives."

The deadly glare she gave him was far more effective than his had been. His body shook, whether from fear or pain Saraku didn't know, nor did she care. As long as he understood the rules she had placed on him nothing else mattered to her.

"I trust you can walk on your own." He nodded. "Then get up and follow me."

Saraku pushed Seto in front and listened as the man stood and fell into an unsteady pace behind her. He didn't speak again, but his breathing was ragged and often pained.

"Did you send the two earlier today?" Saraku asked.

"I did."

Her brow narrowed and she continually reminded herself that he was Yoshimi's brother. Just before they reached the castle gates the first drops of rain fell and the three had to hurry inside. Saraku kept a firm grasp on her brother, always placing herself between him and the human. She stared off across the now drenched landscape with apprehension and concern for her friend.

She wanted to go out and find Yoshimi, but she couldn't leave this human with her father, Sesshoumaru would kill him before they got back. Besides, there was no way she was letting Seto anywhere near him. She would just have to send one of the servants out, they wouldn't be as fast as her, but they would be faster than Yoshimi.

Saraku was about to go in and find someone but Seto held her in place. When she looked down at him, he was pointing towards the forest.

"Aneue, something is coming."

She strained to see through the pouring rain but could only make out a vague haze. Frustrated, Saraku closed her right eye and let her demon vision focus on the image. The rain became a pristine sheet of moving silk, fast and sharp, but smooth in the falling dance the storm created. Through the layers of rain Saraku was now able to see a moving shape, gray and black…with silver. No, there were two shapes, the gray carrying the black. The two figures were rushing towards the castle, the rain attacking to try and stop them.

The closer they got the more Saraku was able to see. Green, and orange…their clothing. The silver piece resting in the black hair. Yoshimi was being carried and, by the clothing, it was Neji who was with her. She smiled down at her younger brother. Seto's clearer vision was able to see them before her.

Saraku motioned for the human to go further into the castle, to which he complied, and moved both Seto and herself back to give the two room to enter. Neji burst into the hall entrance, stopping gracefully and lowering Yoshimi to the ground. She bowed to Neji before turning to Saraku, an exhausted smile on her face.

"I would have been walking another hour in that if Neji-sama hadn't been kind enough to bring me," Yoshimi said as she lowered her hair and began wringing it out. She replaced the silver comb once the excess water had been removed.

Saraku nodded to Neji in appreciation. "Thank you Neji. I was beginning to worry about her."

"It is nothing, Saraku-sama. I was coming to speak with your father and it was obvious the weather would not last."

The snake demon bowed, his back curving smoothly as he did. His gray skin was a sharp contrast to the black hair pulled behind him, and only worked to emphasize the piercing yellow-green slits of his eyes. Neji returned to his proper strict posture, making him resemble Sesshoumaru in grace and dignity, perhaps even out do him.

"It is, however, important that I speak with Sesshoumaru-sama immediately."

"Of course," Saraku said and she quickly called a servant to escort him to Sesshoumaru's study.

With Neji gone Saraku's attention returned to Yoshimi. The woman was soaked from top to bottom, the small bundle tied around her neck dripped from the excessive water, and her body was shivering from the cold, but Yoshimi didn't seem to notice any of it. Her gaze was locked on the young man standing behind them.

"G…Gizen?"

"Yoshimi…It's really you, isn't it? Yoshimi?"

Yoshimi suddenly turned to Saraku and bowed low, her head not raising as she spoke. "Please, Saraku-sama, forgive my brother for anything he may have said or done."

"Just remember, if he was not your brother he would be dead right now. And neither Chichiue nor I will give him a second chance." Saraku's demon eye focused on Gizen with murderous intent. "We will kill him next time."

"I understand, Saraku-sama. He will not do anymore toward you or anyone else, I swear."

"Yoshimi…Why are you…"

Yoshimi silenced her brother with a pleading look. Saraku stared at the two siblings for a moment longer, than gently pushed Seto away.

"Go tell Okaasan we have another visitor." He nodded and hurried away. Saraku looked up to Yoshimi. "I will have the servants prepare a room next to yours, though I will not allow him to be left alone in the castle. A guard will accompany him everywhere, but they will keep distance from you both unless they sense danger. This is as free as I will let him be in my home."

"It is kind of you, Saraku-sama. If I may ask also for some bandages for his wounds."

Yoshimi's worried voice softened Saraku's tone slightly. "The castle is at your disposal, Yoshimi. Do as you wish. I will expect you both at supper, but you may have this time together. Please change though, I do not wish you to be sick."

Yoshimi bowed again. "Thank you, Saraku-sama."

Saraku headed out, instructing one of the guards to follow Gizen. She did not like the idea of him staying in her home, but Yoshimi was Saraku's closest friend and she would allow it for her. When she was out of sight Saraku stopped and listened to the two humans still in the hall.

"Yoshimi, why did you act like that? I didn't do anything wrong. I thought you were dead, am I not allowed to avenge my sister?"

"Please, Gizen, right and wrong are all relative. Sesshoumaru-sama will not allow anyone in his family to be harmed, for any reason. And since I am alive and well it gives less cause to attack them."

"How can you defend people who took you from your home!" Gizen's scream echoed through the hallway.

"I am lucky for my life here. The village gave me up, there was nothing to be done about that, but they took pity on me. I have been cared for and never once harmed, which, sadly, is more than I can say for the village."

"Our village! Our home! Didn't you ever want to come back…didn't you care about us…about me?"

The scent of salt was now apparent, but whether it was from Yoshimi or Gizen Saraku couldn't tell.

"Of course I did, I wanted to see you again. But think, what would have happened if I had returned? Do you think they would let me just come back? The village would never have done that, they would have been too scared I ran away from here and Sesshoumaru-sama would return."

"Why? Why do you defend filthy demons!"

Blood dripped from Saraku's fists as she struggled to restrain her instincts. The sound of her teeth grinding almost covered the conversation she was eavesdropping on.

"Gizen," Yoshimi's voice was soft and controlled. "I am begging you Gizen, do not speak that way here. It will only lead to your death, and even I will not be able to stop it. You have no idea how fortunate you are to be alive right now. Saraku-sama was not bluffing when she said she will kill you for a second attack, and an insult to their honor is the same as a physical attack. So I beg you, do not speak that way again."

"Yoshimi, I don't understand why you are so willing to defend them when most likely they will kill you one day. Aren't you afraid for your life?"

"I have no need to fear, Saraku-sama will not allow me to be killed. I would have to do some thing truly terrible to fear anything. Now, please, let's go and take care of your wounds."

As Yoshimi and her brother headed down the hall Saraku hurried out of sight. Once she was sure she would not be caught Saraku went and found one of the castle servants to inform them of Gizen's stay. She made her way to her own room and sat at the windowsill staring out at the darkened sky. The storm outside felt like a foreboding omen that suggested only misery for the evening. Lighting danced over the endless expanse in jagged streaks of illumination while the thunder played its sinister melody. Normally, Saraku loved to watch such a hauntingly beautiful display of nature, but right then it merely allowed her a trance escape from the day.

She wasn't sure how long she had been staring at the malicious performance, but a soft knock brought her from her revere. She inhaled and smiled.

"Come in, Seto."

The small hanyou opened the door slowly, peeking his head inside before entering completely. He hurried over to his sister who quickly pulled him into her lap. They both gazed out the window to watch the fury of the storm.

"What do you want?" Saraku asked after a moment.

Seto's small head fell back against her chest. "Is that person really Yoshimi's brother?"

"He is. I would not have let him live if he wasn't."

"But he was so mean, and Yoshimi is so nice. How can they be brother and sister?"

"Siblings don't always act the same, look at Chichiue and InuYasha. Or even, you and me. Even if people are raised together or are blood related doesn't mean they will act the same. But I understand what you mean, it is hard to imagine someone so disgusting being related to Yoshimi."

"I hope he doesn't make Yoshimi go away."

"Don't worry, she won't. She can't go back to that village and she knows it."

"I wish he would leave."

"He will, soon enough, and he won't ever come back."

Seto turned his head so his cheek rested against her and closed his eyes. Saraku watched her brother resting in her embrace. They were very different, yet he tried so hard at times to act like her. He was peaceful, and as she looked at his almost sleeping face Saraku couldn't help but wonder how he had turned out so…gentle. She supposed it was her own fault, she pampered him, an act she had once accused InuYasha of doing on Makoto. But, it wasn't that she didn't make him fight, or teach him how to defend, she merely refused to let anyone hurt him. They had to go through her before they would even see Seto.

He had never killed either. He had yet to know that feeling, but Saraku was fine with that, even she had been older before she had been forced to kill anyone. No, even if she protected him he would be fine when he was older, so why not spoil him while he was still young. Saraku brushed Seto's white bangs from his face and let out a silent laugh. He was asleep, but then again, storms always made him tired.

They sat there, Seto sleeping and Saraku watching the raging torrent until a servant came by and informed them supper was prepared. She gently woke the small boy in her arms and led him to the dining hall. Yoshimi and Gizen were already waiting at the table and the two hanyous sat down across from them. Gizen was about to begin but Yoshimi took his unharmed hand and motioned for him to wait. It was a minute more but the doors opened again and Rin entered. Gizen's eyes widened in shock as the Lady of the Western Lands gracefully crossed the floor and took her seat at the head of the table.

As always there was an amazing gentleness in her mother's form, it was calm and subdued, yet dignified and dominating. If Sesshoumaru stilled a room by a commanding power, then Rin did it through a determined presence. Once Rin was seated she scanned each of the four faces attentively watching her and settled on Gizen.

"You must be our new guest," she said benevolently, a smile on her face.

He nodded. "I am Gizen."

"Welcome Gizen. I trust all the misunderstandings have been cleared up."

Again he nodded, either too shocked by her presence or awe by it to speak. Saraku couldn't figure out which. Rin simply smiled again.

"Let's eat then, the food will get cold if we do not."

The four all nodded and began eating. Saraku could see her mother studying them throughout the meal. Saraku swore Rin's best talent was observing unspoken behavior. She believed this so much it was hard to imagine her being as talkative and enthused as Seto, as Sesshoumaru had said before. Her mother loved to talk, but never without reason, whereas Seto spoke even if it was about nothing.

Time passed and no one said anything. The quietness alone was unnerving but the sounds of the howling winds only increased the unsteady atmosphere. Finally, Rin spoke and everyone turned to her as she did.

"Yoshimi, how is Saka doing? I have not seen her in a long while, mores the pity, I suppose."

"Saka-sama is very well. A little bored I think though, she says she wishes something unexpected would happen."

Rin laughed. "I remember when she was happy things were normal. I caused quite a ruckus for her on several occasions."

"I'm sure she didn't mind. Saka-sama can handle `a ruckus,' she does every so often."

"Do you…" Gizen hesitated a moment. "Do you call everyone by such titles?"

Yoshimi turned to her brother slightly confused. "You mean `sama'?"

"Are all these demons so superior to humans?"

Gizen didn't directly insult demons but the connotation was there. Saraku would have retaliated to such an obvious comment, but a cautioning glare from Rin stopped her.

Yoshimi lowered her head slightly and looked to the food in front of her. "I give respect to those who deserve it. Saka-sama is my caretaker, so why wouldn't I respect her like that. Besides, Rin-sama is human, and the demons respect her. It is not just demons over humans. There are just not many humans here."

"So what about getting married!" Gizen yelled, slamming his hands down on the table. "What about having a family! Don't you want that? Don't you want a normal life!"

Suddenly, the door to the dining hall opened showing Sesshoumaru and Neji standing on the other side. All except Gizen gave an acknowledging nod to them as they entered and seated themselves on the other end of the table. Neither demon was going to eat, so they kept some distance from the rest. A silent message was given to Rin by her mate to which only she understood.

"Yoshimi, well, don't you want any of that?" Gizen asked again, ignoring the two demons.

Yoshimi tried to hide her eyes but could only settle for avoiding her brother's glare. It would have been hard enough to answer such question, but now Neji was in the room. Saraku could sense Yoshimi's hands trembling beneath the table and Saraku was getting ready to disobey Rin's silent command and strike the human.

"I…I would like to have those things, but what is the point of having a family if we live in a place that hates me. If they hated me, then they would hate any children I may have. That is not how I would want them to live."

"There are other villages, human villages. They won't know you. Come with me and we could live there. You can get married and have a normal human life. Humans don't belong with demons!"

Saraku had enough of this. Before Gizen even had a chance to blink her claws were under his chin, ready to break his frail neck. Her eyes burned with anger and frustration as lines of blood slid down the bastard's skin. The scent of fear spiked, not from Gizen, but from Yoshimi. Saraku looked down at her friend who had tears slowly falling down her cheeks.

"Please, Saraku-sama, I beg of you. He has been nothing but disrespectful to you and you family, I know that, but please…please, he is still my brother! No matter what he does I can't stand the thought of you killing him. I am begging you, let him go."

Saraku stared down at Yoshimi's pleading, terrified face. Her claws dug deeper into his skin as she struggled to stop her own actions, if nothing else but for Yoshimi, but her hatred had risen to a level that demanded retribution. If she killed him though, right there, Yoshimi would hate her. She had no idea if her internal struggle was apparent on her face, but whatever the reason her decision was made for her.

"Saraku," Sesshoumaru's voice resounded in her ears, "release him."

Her claws immediately left his face and she back up a few steps trying to regain her composure. With his good hand Gizen grabbed a napkin and pressed it against his bleeding chin. His breathing was heavy and unsteady, but relief swept over his scent.

Saraku looked to her father, a part of her angry he stopped her, and another part extremely glad. Sesshoumaru's face was as impassive as ever, but his gaze was directed at Gizen.

"He will not remain in this castle. Send him away. If he returns, he will die. Leave now."

Gizen stood up and began to leave but stopped next to Yoshimi's chair. "You would rather stay with these creatures?"

"You may be my brother," Yoshimi said firmly, "but I never want to live with anyone like you."

Saraku walked behind Gizen as he left the room. Seto tried to run to her but Rin stopped him. The storm was still raging when they reached the rear gate.

"Be lucky a storm is all you have to fight against. You have a chance to live now," Saraku said bitterly.

Gizen didn't respond he merely glared at her haughtily and disappeared into the torrent. Saraku's fingers jerked and contorted in her desire to run after him and rip his body apart till all his blood covered her claws. A strong hand was placed on her shoulder causing the tension to leave her. She gazed up at the calm face of her father.

"You must learn not to interfere with matters that do not concern you. There is no point and only a waste of energy."

"Yoshimi is my friend, that makes it my concern," she retorted.

"What happens between sibling is no matter to you. Do not hurry to create problems for yourself."

Saraku looked away slightly ashamed, not for her action as much as the disapproval it caused. "Chichiue, how is it that people like Okaasan and Yoshimi came from such a disgusting race as humans? How is it they could create anyone like them, or even Kagome and Tanshin and their families? How can they be humans when so many more are worthless creatures?"

"I have yet to figure that out."

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Tears continued to fall as Yoshimi watched Rin usher Seto out of the dining hall. She hid her face in her hands as Neji slowly approached her. She prayed that he would just pass by and leave, but instead she heard him pull out the chair beside her. He didn't speak or even place a comforting hand on her, he just sat waiting. When Yoshimi brought up enough courage to uncover her face she found he wasn't looking at her at all.

Neji sat, straight backed and proper, staring off to the far wall. His face was solemn and his eyes appeared a shade greener than normal. The thin slits directed a glance over to her, followed by a slow turn of his body.

"I have never before comforted a human woman, you must forgive for doing nothing."

Yoshimi took a few steadying breaths and wiped her cheeks free of the tears. "It is fine. I understand."

"I do not believe you do."

Yoshimi was dumbfounded by his statement.

"Understand, that is," Neji clarified. "I do not believe you completely understand everything. I know that this scene was trying on you, but I also know that should I continue my advances without you completely understanding then you shall only become hurt in the end."

Yoshimi felt like her chest was going to burst. What more could she take at once? Did he not want to seek a relationship with her? She had just sent her brother away in exchange for a life with demons, a part of it being her belief of Neji and his intentions. If that was wrong, what kind of life could she have?

"When I entered here, you had said that you wished for a family. I have no such desire. What I want, perhaps need, is a companion. I already have children that have lived as long as Sesshoumaru-sama, I do not need anymore. What I desire is a companion to be with."

"A companion?"

"Yes, if you were to accept such a proposition I would protect you, and care for you as I would a mate. You would have all the privileges and pleasures afforded to a mate, but I do not need children, nor would I mark you. I would care for you throughout your life, you needn't worry about that. I do feel an attachment to you and would be pleased if you agreed to such an arrangement, but I believe you should understand what it is I meant."

Yoshimi lowered her forehead to her arms, which rested against the table. An attachment. An arrangement. Privileges and pleasures. A proposition. She felt like he was trying to make a business deal with her. She knew that wasn't true. Neji was never one to sugarcoat something, he was direct, and perhaps a little blunt. He was trying to say a neutral statement of fact, not to sway her one way or another, just inform.

Her mind felt ready to collapse in on itself as she tried to sort out what he said. She would gain the same respect he received until she died. She would be allowed to be with someone who would care for her and talk to her believing she had worth and importance, not just be the wife of some man. She would have the luxuries of a wife, but no children to call her own, but even if she had, they would have been hanyou.

By many in the village Saraku and Seto only were respected because they were Sesshoumaru's pups. Any child she bore would not be given such treatment. Publicly it may be all right, but it would probably be shunned and considered an outcast.

Would becoming his companion be that bad of an idea? The more she thought, the more Yoshimi came to a single conclusion: it wouldn't. She cared for Neji and he claimed and attachment to her. He would protect and be with her for her entire life. So, yes, she could live very contently that way.

She lifted her head and gazed at Neji, he was waiting again, not expecting anything, just waiting.

"I believe that would be a fine life," she said matter of factly.

A smile graced his thin mouth. "It pleases me to hear that."

Yoshimi was shocked to find herself smiling back at him. "Would you…would you stay with me a while."

He nodded. "My business with Sesshoumaru-sama is finished. I will stay as long as you wish me to, though I do not know how to comfort you."

Yoshimi leaned in and rested her head against his chest. "Just hold me."