InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Into the East ❯ Visitors from Afar ( Chapter 11 )

A/N: I actually had this finished about 3 days ago, but… I've been having trouble finding time to read through it and make sure everything is how I want it. … I hope the last part doesn't seem too rushed…

I've gotten the feeling over the past 2 chapters that this story needs some good old-fashioned conflict… And I know that I alluded to some Naraku-trouble, but that resulted in having two other ideas - possibly related, possibly not - float around in my head. The wait this time was trying to decide which one to go with. The first was infinitely simpler than the other, but after reading several comments that said that the reviewer liked how much detail I write… here's the beginning of the path that I finally chose…

 

 

Into the East

Chapter eleven: Visitors from afar

Posted: 23 June 2006

Characters/Plot originally appearing in the anime/manga Inuyasha © Rumiko Takahashi

Everything else © me

 

 

 

 

“Okay. Put your hand here on my back - like this.”

Sesshoumaru couldn't for the life of him fathom what had come over him. He was beginning to wonder if he had completely taken leave of his senses. This is ridiculous. He never voiced his objections, though. As weeks at the palace turned into a full moon cycle and still no word from Inuyasha's group, more specifically the old miko or the monk, it began to feel as though Vanessa would be a permanent resident in his home. In truth, he hadn't made a great effort in finding a solution. The more they talked and the more time they spent in one another's company, the more Sesshoumaru felt his attachment to the woman growing, and the more a nagging voice in the back of his mind kept telling him to distance himself from her. Part of him wanted to surrender to that voice, to retreat into the safe, comfortable, icy structure that had been his life before Vanessa, and better yet - before Rin. But the rest of him wanted to find out what it was about this woman that seemed to make him want to see her happy. She was worse than Rin! He was finding it more and more difficult to deny her the few requests that she made of him… which brought Sesshoumaru to his present situation.

 

Vanessa had asked if she could watch him practice that morning and since he didn't see any harm in it, he allowed her to come. Most of his household had grown so accustomed to her presence - both by his side and not - that they hardly took notice of her anymore and none had yet made any threatening motions toward her. Once inside the dojo, Sesshoumaru moved to one wall to retrieve a practice katana while Vanessa took a seat on a bench against the opposite wall. This morning he would spar with Saburo and it would be strictly a test of their skills with a blade. The tiger youkai did not have all of the inherent powers that Sesshoumaru's bloodline carried but made up for it with his agility and mastery of the sword. He was one of the few residing at the palace that Sesshoumaru found to be any match to his own skill. The taiyoukai sparred with him, not only to keep himself sharp, but also to improve his chief advisor's skill. Though Jaken kept watch over the happenings of palace life when he was abroad, Saburo ultimately made decisions in his stead and had to be strong to hold his position if trouble should arise while Sesshoumaru was away.

 

Moments after Vanessa and Sesshoumaru arrived, Saburo entered the dojo and paused to greet Vanessa before selecting a sword. “Greetings, Sesshoumaru-sama,” he said with a bow.

“Saburo-san.” Never one for pleasantries, Sesshoumaru moved right into position to begin warm-up exercises. As he fell into the routine, he idly wondered if Inuyasha ever practiced his technique with Tetsusaiga. Waste of a good weapon. He knew full well that Tetsusaiga was the only thing keeping his half-brother's demon side in check, but that didn't mean that he had to like his father's choice of who received which fang. He could feel his long-standing resentment bubbling just under the surface and knew that Saburo would not have an easy time during their spar today... not that he ever really gave him an `easy' workout. A glance to Saburo told Sesshoumaru that his opponent was ready so without warning he pressed the attack.

 

Saburo had barely enough time to block Sesshoumaru's blade at cut toward his throat before he was forced back into the wall. “Be wary of all opponents, Saburo-san, even those you believe to be friendly,” Sesshoumaru said before stepping back into the center of the floor.

“Forgive me, Sesshoumaru-sama, but `friendly' is not a term I could easily use to describe you.” Saburo pushed himself off the wall with a smirk and leapt into an attack of his own.

“Then my efforts have not been in vain.” Sesshoumaru blocked, spun and counter-attacked, disrupting the tiger's balance. Saburo let his imbalance take him and rolled away from his lord. Their path took them round and round the large room, spinning, blocking, driving, and attacking. Saburo often tried to take advantage of the seeming disadvantage Sesshoumaru held by having only one arm. He would attempt to dodge or feint an attack only to turn at the last moment and strike out at his left side. Only rarely did he ever succeed in his attempts, but he was not afraid to use the handicap to his advantage. It was one of the reasons that he was a preferred sparring partner. Far too many of Sesshoumaru's opponents would avoid his left side at all costs, which only resulted in embarrassingly short matches - they focused only on his strong side, presumably so as not to offend, but it also made their attacks painfully obvious and as a result, they were easily defeated. He knew only too well that in a `real' fight, his enemies would have no qualms over taking full advantage of his perceived handicap, but they would quickly learn not to underestimate him. Today, however, may well turn out to be one of those rare occasions that Saburo gained any sort of real advantage over him. Whenever Vanessa passed through Sesshoumaru's field of vision, he found her staring at him intently, studying him, but for what reason, he would have to figure out later. At the moment he was occupied with the uncharacteristically difficult task of maintaining the upper hand. “Sesshoumaru-sama, your attention appears to be elsewhere.” Sesshoumaru shot Saburo a glare that made his smirk falter only slightly.

 

Most would probably be surprised that Sesshoumaru allowed such taunting from his sparring partner, but it is not entirely to be unexpected from enemies - Inuyasha, for example - who thought either to distract him with their words or simply had no control over their own tongue. In this case, Sesshoumaru took the opportunity to deal his `finishing' blow while Saburo was feeling overly confident. He swept out his leg and knocked his opponent off his feet. The moment Saburo landed on his back with a grunt, Sesshoumaru stood over him with his boot in the center of his chest.

“This Sesshoumaru's attention is always on the task at hand,” he said, removing the tip of his blade from the skin of Saburo's throat, leaving behind a small dot of blood as a reminder.

“Well played, Sesshoumaru-sama. As always, I thank you for allowing me test my skill against your blade.” Sesshoumaru nodded his acknowledgment. “I am going to prepare for breakfast,” Saburo said. “Will you be wanting to meet with me later?”

“Have you any new information?” The hunt for Naraku had so far turned up nothing but dead ends.

“No, my lord. Nothing new yet today.”

“Then no. We do not need to meet, but inform me at once if you find anything new.”

Saburo nodded. “I take my leave then, Sesshoumaru-sama. Vanessa-san,” he said with a nod to Vanessa.

 

After Saburo left Sesshoumaru alone in the dojo with Vanessa, the woman left the bench and approached him. “Have you found what you were looking for?” he asked her.

“What do you mean?”

“You were watching rather closely, were you not?”

She blushed. “Oh… It's just…”

“Yes?”

“Well… ever since that night on the road when I saw you practicing… I've sort of been wondering…”

“Go on.” What was it exactly that she wanted to know? She was starting to try his patience.

“You'll probably think I'm crazy -”

“Perhaps.” Get on with it.

“Hey!” Vanessa exclaimed, planting her fists on her hips. “What I'm trying to say is that you are so graceful when you are fighting - well okay, all the time - and I was wondering if you would ever use that skill in something a little less deadly… like… dance?”

“Dance.” Immediately Sesshoumaru's mind ran with the notion and he decided that he would rather relinquish Tetsusaiga to Inuyasha forever than be caught wearing one of those obscenely gaudy costumes, let alone performing as those he had seen in the theater. “This Sesshoumaru does not dance.” Apparently, Vanessa had wanted a different answer: she pouted.

“Have you ever tried?”

He snorted. “No.”

“Well, then how do you know you don't dance? Maybe you're a natural!”

“Doubtful.” How could one as dignified as he is be a `natural' at something so… unbecoming?

“What if… what you're thinking of as `dance' and what I'm thinking of are two different things? Then would you try?” She had a valid point… Still, wouldn't it be unseemly for the lord of the West to be seen parading about like a fool, no matter the origin of the `dance'? As though reading his thoughts, Vanessa continued: “There's no one here. Everyone else will be going to breakfast soon. Couldn't you… humor me? Just for a little bit? Dance with me. You might even have fun!” She then made a face that looked remarkably like a lost puppy's. One that Rin had pulled on occasion as well. What had he ever done to be so cursed that the two humans that he had taken into his care happened to be masters in the art of appearing innocent? Sesshoumaru growled softly, berating himself for yielding to this mortal woman.

“You have one hour - until the end of breakfast.” Whatever she had planned for him, they were least likely to be interrupted while the majority of the household either continued to sleep or took their morning meal. She clapped her hands and practically squealed in delight before taking a few steps forward.

“I was watching your footwork earlier… I don't think you'll have any trouble catching on.” Then suddenly she took his hand and pulled him toward her a little. Instinctually Sesshoumaru pulled his hand from her grasp and took a step back.

“What are you doing?” he asked with a small frown.

“Oh! I guess I should have explained. For this particular dance, we have to touch, but don't worry - it's nothing indecent.” Vanessa held out her hand to him with a grin and slowly, he placed his hand in hers. “Good! Okay. Put your hand here on my back - like this.” This is ridiculous. She guided his hand around and behind her to rest near her left shoulder blade. “Now. My hand goes on your shoulder, like so.” Utterly absurd. Sesshoumaru never took his eyes from her face, but he felt the light weight of her small hand resting on his shoulder. “Normally,” she continued, “we would clasp my right and your left hand, but since that… er… isn't an option, we'll have to improvise.”

“Indeed.” Sesshoumaru frowned slightly. What sort of `dance' was this tangle of limbs anyway, and what exactly did she mean by `improvise'? Well, he was about to find out.

 

Vanessa had laid her remaining hand on Sesshoumaru's left shoulder then frowned slightly. “This isn't quite right. What if…” she said softly as if to herself. Slowly, she slid her hand over his left shoulder and down to what remained of his bicep, stopping just above the healed edge of the severed appendage. The action made him flinch unexpectedly and his left shoulder involuntarily jerked away from her touch. “I'm sorry!” she cried out in surprise. “I didn't mean… That is… if you don't want to…” Sesshoumaru stared at her for a moment before shaking his head.

“No.”

“I understand,” she said as her face fell slightly.

“Your hour is not yet up.” She had never once flinched or made any outward indication that she was uncomfortable with his ruined limb - not until he pulled away, and then she seemed concerned only with his discomfort. Sesshoumaru was startled more than anything at the contact, only because he had healed before returning home and he saw no reason to let anyone inspect the injury after that. It was simply that no one had touched any part of his left arm since he had lost it.

Vanessa stared at him. “What? Are you sure? You really don't have to. It's a bunch of silliness really.”

“If it is… important to you, then you may continue… where you left off.” She smiled brilliantly up at him and replaced his and her hands in their appropriate positions.

 

“Okay,” Vanessa began, stepping back a little though still maintaining the same contact, “watch my feet and move yours with them - your left to my right. I'll hum the tune and hopefully everything will fall together nicely. If you step on my feet, don't worry about it. It's only natural at first. My toes have had their share of bruises from teaching other people more complex moves than what I'm about to show you.” As Vanessa hummed the tune and Sesshoumaru followed her footsteps, almost pathetically clumsily at first - but he did not step on her toes once, he began to feel the way the steps moved with her music. Eventually, he began to read subtle clues given off by the rest of her body just as he would an opposing swordsman. A tilt of her hip like this meant that she would be placing her foot there. The twist of her torso just so meant they would turn in that direction on the next step.

 

Sesshoumaru raised his gaze to her face and was met with a somewhat far-off look in her eyes. She is remembering... An image flashed in his mind of Vanessa wearing the silver garment that he had first seen her in. It was flaring about her ankles as she moved, drifting and floating with each turn she made. Her hair was done up in an elegant knot and she was whirling about the marble dance floor, much as she was now on the wood floor of his dojo, and she was smiling, laughing with the lucky man she had chosen as her dance partner. Sesshoumaru blinked, trying to rid himself of the vision, but it was difficult when the subject of that short, waking dream was directly in front of him. Her violet eyes, pale now - as though infused with the silver of her dress, seemed to look right through him. He wished he had the power to see into her mind, to find out what caused that soft smile to appear on her rosy lips as she hummed. Why now did her features so capture his interest? What spell was she weaving about him that made him notice the contrast between her dark lashes and pale brows and that they complemented perfectly the darkening tan of her skin? She was a beautiful creature, there was no denying it, but she was also one that he could not… would not touch. Sesshoumaru shook his head slightly, derailing that train of thought and turned his gaze down to the safety of the floor between them. The small movement seemed to have brought Vanessa back to the present and before he knew it, she had increased their pace and the range of their movements until she had them twirling around and around all across the floor. When he caught sight of their reflection in the long mirrors on the southern wall, he began to understand the connection she made between the fighting style she had seen and this so-called dancing. Each movement flowed into the other seamlessly and even the footwork was similar, though the end result was completely different. He had the feeling that variations in the music and movements could prove to be quite intimate indeed.

 

By the time Vanessa brought them to a halt, she was slightly breathless and a light flush colored her cheeks. “I think I should take up running again and stop lounging about the palace,” she said with a laugh. “So? What did you think?”

“That was… interesting,” Sesshoumaru responded. True, it really was nothing like what he had expected and he could probably grow to enjoy such an activity, though he would like to hear the real music sometime.

“Now imagine forty or fifty people all doing the same thing in a room this size.” He raised an eyebrow at her; while the steps were consistent, their path around the dojo floor did not seem to have any logical pattern. To have that many people all in the same space, surely there would be collisions left and right.

“Do they not collide with one another?”

Vanessa shook her head. “You'd be surprised. There are other types of music and as many dance steps to match. I could teach you more… if you want to learn.”

“Perhaps another time.” He had to admit that he could only process so much of Vanessa's world at one time. Besides, breakfast should be finishing soon and he didn't want any intruders to happen across them. And speaking of breakfast… “Come, I will have food sent upstairs.” With that, he turned toward the door and the awaiting sunshine, but a small voice behind him made him pause.

“Sesshoumaru…” He turned back to find Vanessa standing exactly where he had left her, a small frown marring her normally cheerful visage. Her hands were twisted in the wide sleeves of the haori he had given her the night she met Shizu and her previously bright eyes were dark and downcast, partially hidden by long dark lashes. Had he done something to upset her? And since when did he care about the way his actions affected others, let alone a human? But with her, it had been that way since the very beginning. She had seemed so lost and alone that it stirred a protectiveness within him that he had only ever felt for Rin. Sesshoumaru took a step toward her.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, slightly concerned. Vanessa shook her head and smiled, though he could see that it didn't reach her eyes.

“No, I just… I wanted to thank you. I felt like I was back home just now.” Then she straightened and gave a true smile. “Come on, let's go eat so I can take a bath.”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded and stared after Vanessa as she walked past. He had grown so accustomed to her presence in his home that sometimes he forgot that his world was as alien to her as she was to him. She rarely gave him reason to believe that she was homesick, but he couldn't suppress a small smirk at a sudden realization. It would seem that he was not the only one in residence skilled in masking his - or her - features. But he did not want her to be unhappy, whether she showed it or not, and decided to take a more active roll in seeking out a way for her to return home. Surely she must be eager to go back to something familiar.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Vanessa couldn't believe that Sesshoumaru actually agreed to dance with her, however grudgingly at first. She had let her mind go and realized just how much different this world was from her own. More than anything at that moment she wished for real music… or at least a CD player. Just as she had suspected that night that she had seen him practicing, his natural grace lent perfectly to the steps. She might have giggled if her upbringing hadn't taught her otherwise… and if she thought Sesshoumaru wouldn't decide he'd had enough right then and there. Here she was, no one in this age, a human with no special powers and yet… still she had managed to persuade one of the most powerful beings alive to dance with her. Her mother would be proud… It was more than that, though. Vanessa felt privileged that he seemed to be comfortable enough with her to indulge her in this. She really did like to dance, and not just in the dance clubs. At some point in all her years of attending various functions with her parents, Vanessa had come to love everything about ballroom dancing. It was hard to find people her own age who could tolerate more than a song or two, though, and that wasn't enough for her. Usually, if the opportunity presented itself, she danced with their fathers. But here… here she was leading a very attractive youkai lord around the floor like she owned it. She knew that they would have to stop eventually but she fully intended to enjoy every minute of it. Who knew if he would agree to it again?

 

As they walked back to their rooms, Vanessa thought that instead of taking a bath right away, she would take a jog and maybe see Shizu. It had been a few days since she had last visited the winged horse and today Rin would be having some lessons in reading and writing, something Vanessa couldn't help with - at least not in Japanese. If she was going to take a run, it would be pointless to get all cleaned up first.

 

Not long after they arrived, a servant knocked on the door to Sesshoumaru's room to drop off a platter of bread, cheese, fruit and a pitcher of juice. Vanessa was just setting the food on the table when Sesshoumaru appeared, leading a bleary-eyed Rin from the direction of her room. She smiled at the girl. “You sure slept late today, Rin.”

“Sesshoumaru-sama said that I didn't have to wake up early.”

 

Taking the pot of tea off the fire, Vanessa joined the pair at the table. “Sesshoumaru, since Rin has lessons today, I think I'm going to take a run and maybe pay a visit to Shizu. I haven't seen her in almost a week.” He nodded and sipped his tea. Vanessa took a piece of apple and popped it in her mouth, glancing out the window. After she swallowed, she turned to Sesshoumaru again, “What are your plans for the day?” He raised an eyebrow.

“I have nothing planned as yet.”

“Nothing?”

“Nothing.”

“How can the lord of the Western Lands have nothing to do?”

Sesshoumaru shook his head slightly. “I did not say that I have nothing to do. I merely have nothing planned.”

“I see… so… what are you going to do with your free time?” He leaned forward just a little as though about to disclose a great secret.

“This Sesshoumaru will go to the library and study the ancient scrolls.” Vanessa stared at him. He can't be doing that for fun… can he? She had no doubt that perusing the ancient documents might be fascinating - to an extent, but… it was gorgeous outside. Studying on a day like today was just wrong.

“You're serious.”

“Naturally,” he said, sitting back again, and she could almost - almost - see a smile in his eyes. “Since I have the time, I thought I might see if there is any mention of time portals in the scrolls.”

“Really? Do you think there will be anything in there?” He was going to spend his free time looking for a solution to help her?

“I am uncertain. It is not a common occurrence by any means; however, if anything has been recorded, it is very likely that I have a copy.” Pays to be a great lord, I guess.

Vanessa smiled her gratitude. “You're just trying to get rid of me so you won't have to dance with me anymore,” she teased.

That got Rin's attention. “Did Sesshoumaru-sama really dance, Nessa-neesan?” she piped. Sesshoumaru shot Vanessa a glare and she couldn't help but laugh.

“I showed Sesshoumaru a dance from my home,” she said, neither confirming nor denying Sesshoumaru's participation in the activity.

“I think that Sesshoumaru-sama would be a good dancer,” Rin praised. “May I see this dance sometime?”

He sent another glare Vanessa's way and turned to the child. “Rin. It is time that you went to your lessons.”

“Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama!” Immediately, Rin got up and went to her room to change and to collect her supplies.

 

Vanessa tried to suppress her amusement before she turned to Sesshoumaru; she didn't want to ruin her chances for a second dance session. “She thinks the world of you,” she commented, watching as he stared after the girl with a certain fondness in his golden eyes.

“I know.” And you think the world of her too, she thought, but also thought it best not to voice it.

“If you're going to spend your free time reading through old scrolls just for my sake, at least take a few of them and go outside to enjoy the weather. It's beautiful out.”

He gave her that strange, almost perplexed, look of his and responded, “Perhaps I will.”

“Good,” she said with a grin. “I'm going to go now before it gets too warm. I'll be back later this afternoon.”

 

Wrapping some left over bread and cheese in a cloth napkin for a snack, Vanessa went to her room to grab her backpack. It was light enough and, along with her snack, she wanted to bring a small towel to dip in the stream she knew to be in the forest where she would find Shizu. Tying on some sandals to protect the bottoms of her feet from sticks and stones, she left the building and took of in an easy jog across the countryside. After a few minutes, she heard the steady beat of trotting hooves coming from the forest to her right and smiled. Shizu. Vanessa veered into the woods and easily dodged the trees until she was far enough in to avoid being seen by anyone in the palace. Before long Shizu was beside her, matching her pace. “Why are you running, Vanessa?” the horse asked into her mind.

“I wanted to get some exercise,” Vanessa said, not yet out of breath.

“Why did you want this… exercise?”

“I was starting to feel lazy sitting around the palace all day. I wanted to stay fit,” she explained.

“I see… do you like to run?”

“Not always.” Both were quiet for a while.

“I love to run,” Shizu said suddenly, “I like to run as fast as I can and then take to the air and fly up and up, and when I think I can't fly any higher, I spread my wings and glide back down to earth.” Shizu kicked her legs behind her and leapt forward a bit to show her excitement.

“That… sounds exciting,” Vanessa said, breathing a little harder now.

“You sound like you're getting tired.”

“This…is the part… that I… don't… like… as much.” It had been far too long since she'd had a good run. She couldn't remember the last time she had gotten so out of breath so quickly… It must have been even before she went back in time.

“Why don't you stop?”

“Can't… get stronger… unless… you… push yourself.” Shizu seemed to understand the difficulty Vanessa was facing in trying to speak and catch her breath at the same time, so she quit her questions for a while.

 

By the time Vanessa stopped, she had almost reached the area where she had first met Shizu and Kaminari. She flopped down on the bank of the stream and waited for her breathing to return to normal. Meanwhile, Shizu settled herself in the grass beside the woman and spread one wing like a canopy to shade the delicate skin of her human friend. “You humans are such strange creatures,” she commented.

“I get that a lot around here, but you allegedly `normal' youkai have befriended this strange creature.”

“Perhaps it is because you amuse us.”

“Is that all I am to you?” Vanessa asked in mock hurt, “A form of entertainment?”

“You know that's not true! I-” Shizu broke off when she heard Vanessa's giggle.

“Of course I know that, silly,” Vanessa said as she reached behind her to give Shizu a reassuring pat on her flank. “You know… sometimes when I talk to you - and anyone else around here for that matter - I feel like I'm dreaming.”

“Why?”

“Creatures like you don't exist where I come from… or if they do, they keep themselves well hidden.”

“We have kept ourselves so well hidden that few even know that we're within the walls of the palace grounds.”

“That is true, but where I am from there are more people and it is harder to hide.”

Shizu cocked her head slightly. “Where is this place?”

“Can you keep a secret?” Shizu nodded. Vanessa had yet to tell her the truth about herself. So far, their conversations had steered clear of the topic of her origins, but she felt that it was important for her friend to know everything. “You might find this hard to believe, but hear me out. A little over a week before I arrived here, I was in an entirely different time and place.”

“What do you mean…?”

“My home is half-way around the world and I'm from about five hundred years in the future.”

“How is this possible?” her voice sounding breathy in Vanessa's head.

Vanessa shrugged. “I don't really know. One minute I was in my time, and the next, I had stepped through a sort of portal into this world.”

“Will you be going back?” she caught the hint of sadness in Shizu's voice.

“I don't know that either. Sesshoumaru-sama is looking for information in his library as to how I can go back. When I came into this time, my way home was closed. He sort of took me in until we can find a way to send me back.”

“That surprises me.”

“What does?”

“You must know that Sesshoumaru-sama doesn't think highly of humans.”

“So I've heard.”

“You know… he has come out here before - to speak with my father. I never would have imagined him bringing a stranger with him, and a human no less.”

“Everyone keeps saying that… There's more to him than he lets on.”

“I'm sure he has his reasons…”

“Yeah. So…” Vanessa said, trying to change the subject, “what have you been up to lately?”

 

Shizu and Vanessa talked until late in the afternoon, sometimes walking or riding, other times lying under the trees. The light was so dim in the forest that they hardly noticed the turn in the weather. It wasn't until Vanessa stepped out of the cover of trees and was nearly blown over by the wind that she realized how close the storm was to breaking. Even as she was thinking how strange the storm's sudden appearance was considering how clear the sky was earlier, the first sprinkles of rain fell. She ducked back under the meager shelter of the trees and turned to Shizu. “Should we wait it out?” she asked.

“The storm seemed to come up quickly… Maybe it will pass just as quickly?” It was a long walk back to the main buildings…

“Do you know of any place around here where we could take cover?”

“Yes. Climb on, I'll take you there.” Shizu lowered herself enough so that Vanessa could climb onto her back and then trotted swiftly through the trees.

 

Just as the rain was becoming strong enough to break through the heavy tree-cover, Shizu brought Vanessa to the mouth of a fairly sizeable cave - at least it was large enough for the two of them. “Do storms normally come up so fast around here? There wasn't a cloud in the sky this morning.”

“Sometimes… but not often at this time of year.” Shizu turned her head and peered out into the rain.

“Looks like all we can do is wait.”

“I guess so.”

“If it gets too late, I think I'll have to just suck it up and get a little wet.” Vanessa dropped her backpack and sat against the cool stone of the cave wall and picked at a few pebbles beside her. “Does your herd have shelter from the rain or do you stay outside?”

“The rain does not bother us… though the wetness makes it more difficult to fly,” Shizu responded, ruffling her wing feathers for emphasis.

“I can imagine.”

 

Silence reigned over the small cave as human and winged horse stared out into the dim forest, watching the rain fall with ever increasing intensity. “Shizu,” Vanessa began, trying to strike up a conversation to make the time go faster, “I was wondering… Why does your kind stay hidden in the forest? I would think that you would want to run in the fields and fly in the open skies.” Shizu lifted her wing joints in a gesture resembling a shrug.

“This is all I have ever known… I guess I haven't thought much about it. Papa always said that it is important that we are left in peace and the best way to have that is when no one knows about us. Sesshoumaru-sama's family has allowed us to live on their lands in return for aid, should he need it.”

“Has he ever had to call on you?”

“Not in my lifetime, but there might have been a few times before then.”

“How long have you been here?”

Shizu turned to Vanessa, “I was born in this forest, but my herd has been here since before even Sesshoumaru-sama was born-” Suddenly Shizu froze, her eyes growing large and her ears flattening back against her head. “I didn't mean to say that Sesshoumaru-sama is old… well, he is… older than I am that is… Papa says that the herd is indebted to Sesshoumaru-sama's family… I really meant no disrespect!” Vanessa couldn't help but to laugh at the young mare's panic.

“Shizu,” she said, trying to put a halt to her apologies. “Don't worry, I don't think that Sesshoumaru-sama thinks about his age very much. Even if he did, wouldn't his growing old as a ruler mean that he is very strong? One day it might be a compliment to praise him for his age.”

“Maybe…” She knew that she still didn't have Shizu convinced.

“Well, then think of it from my perspective. As a human, when I found out how old he is I was shocked that someone could live that long and still look so young. I even told him so.”

“Really?” The winged horse perked her ears up again.

“Besides, compared to how old he could live to be, Sesshoumaru-sama isn't that old at all, probably not that much older than I am - comparatively speaking anyway.”

“Would it be rude of me to ask how old you are?”

Vanessa laughed, “Of course not. I turned twenty-four in the spring... I think you have a different calendar than I do, so the date wouldn't mean very much.”

 

Shizu's eyes squinted in a way that Vanessa had come to know was her version of a smile, and then a giggle entered the woman's mind. “Now what are you laughing at?” she asked.

“I shouldn't… but if you were like me, you would be just a filly. Twenty-four is so young, but I know you're not.” Shizu ducked her head shyly and peered over at Vanessa through lowered lashes. “If you were of my kind, I think you would be like an older sister to me,” she continued softly, but then seemed embarrassed by her admission and hid her head between her body and the wall opposite Vanessa. The human didn't like to see her youkai companion drawing into herself like that, so she rose from her seat and crossed the short distance across the width of the cave. She placed her hands on both of Shizu's soft cheeks and gently guided her head back to where she could look into her brilliant blue eyes.

“Shizu…” Vanessa said, still holding the horse's head, “please don't hide from me.” She brought her own cheek to Shizu's and stroked the other in a way that Bryce's parents' horses seemed to like. Apparently it worked for Shizu too, as she drew in a breath and sighed contentedly. “We don't need to be related or even the same kind to be sisters.”

“You don't think I'm being silly?”

“Of course not. To tell you the truth, I've found another little sister since coming here.”

“You have? Who?” Vanessa stepped back again, but maintained contact, petting Shizu's velvety nose.

“Do you know who Rin is?” From her conversations with Rin, it was clear that Sesshoumaru hadn't taken her to meet the winged horses yet so she had refrained from bringing her along, though the girl wanted desperately to meet Shizu. Vanessa would have to ask Sesshoumaru when she got back if it was ok to bring Rin with her sometime.

“Sesshoumaru-sama's human ward? I've never met her.”

“She's a sweet girl. Almost since the moment I met her, I've been her `Nessa-neesan.' I'll ask Sesshoumaru-sama if it would be alright to bring her with me sometime.”

“Nessa-neesan… it fits.” Shizu giggled, her earlier timidity forgotten.

“If you start calling me that, at least shorten it to `Nessa.' It sounds more informal to me.”

“Alright then, `Nessa' it is.”

 

Vanessa turned to look out the cave opening again, and even through the tree and cloud cover, she could see that it was getting darker out, yet the rain had not let up. “Shizu, I think I'm going to have to get a little wet. I need to get back to the palace.”

“I could take you part of the way if you want.”
“Are you sure?”

“Of course,” Shizu gave Vanessa another horse-grin, “anything for my newest sister.”

“Thank you.” Vanessa picked up her bag again and climbed onto Shizu's back. Together they sped through rain that was only slightly lessened by the trees. Shizu's footing was sure and she never slipped on the slick floor covering; before she knew it, Vanessa was only a few hundred yards from the palace. They came to a halt just inside the tree line and Vanessa dismounted. She gave the horse a scratch behind her ears and thanked her again for the ride. Then she made a dash for the building that she was now calling `home.' Just before she entered, Vanessa made a slight detour and went to the bathhouse instead. There she was hoping to find a spare towel to use to dry off so she didn't track water all over the wood flooring. Just inside the door she found what she was looking for and took a moment as she dried to let the natural heat and steam warm the chill that had set in from the rain. Once she thought she was as dry as she could get without changing, Vanessa turned once more to Sesshoumaru's building.

 

As she rounded the corner into the main hall, Vanessa was brought up short. Sesshoumaru stood near the front door with Saburo and a small group of other youkai. It wasn't the newcomers that made her pause, but Sesshoumaru. As Vanessa crossed unnoticed through the door, the woman standing before Sesshoumaru removed her hood. She raised her eyes to look up at the taiyoukai, and though Sesshoumaru's face remained as blank and passive as ever, the sheer intensity of the emotion Vanessa was getting from him made her feel as though her heart would stop. She had rarely picked up anything from him through their connection and those times it had only been small traces, but now the rage, confusion, and even a small amount of longing that she was feeling from him were so strong that she wondered how he was maintaining such control. Who is she that she caused such a reaction from him? Vanessa couldn't see much of the woman, but what caught her eye was the intense hawk-like gaze of her bright yellow eyes that belied the pleasant smile she wore. She liked to think that she gave everyone she met a fair chance and didn't judge too quickly, but something about this woman did not sit right with her. Finally, Sesshoumaru spoke. She couldn't quite hear everything, but it sounded like “Show her to a room.”

 

The moment Saburo moved to do as he was commanded, Sesshoumaru turned abruptly and crossed the hall to the back door. He didn't even spare a glance at Vanessa as he blew past her out the door and into the rain. She wondered if he even noticed her presence. It took only a moment for him to cross the small garden and in that time, Vanessa came to a decision. She knew that he probably wanted to be left to be alone, but for some reason she couldn't explain, she felt strongly compelled to follow him. So she did just that. Heedless of the pouring rain, Vanessa took off after Sesshoumaru. She had to run just to keep up with his long strides, let alone catch up to him. What has gotten into him? And where on earth is he going? She could just see his white, almost-glowing form as it disappeared through a thick wall of bushes. Careful to keep her eyes trained on that spot, Vanessa sprinted across the slick grass until she came to a skidding halt right where she saw Sesshoumaru disappear. Suddenly she was hesitant. What if he really did not want to be disturbed? Of course he didn't want to be disturbed, why else practically flee into a hiding place in the bushes? Still, the emotions she was reading from him hadn't lessened at all so she strengthened her resolve and stepped quietly through the branches.

 

The sight that met her eyes was a shock to say the least. First was the fact that she had stepped into a beautiful little garden completely hidden from the rest of the grounds, and second was Sesshoumaru himself. He stood stock still in the center of the garden, the only exception being his hand. His claws were alternately flexing and clenching into a fist. He looked as though he wanted to tear something, anything - or anyone - to shreds. The actions themselves weren't much by most standards, but coming from Sesshoumaru it gave Vanessa the impression that he was pacing like a caged lion. It was disturbing and even a little frightening considering how calm and collected he was all the time. She drew a little closer. Sesshoumaru had not said a word beyond his command to Saburo, but if Vanessa had been experiencing the jumble of emotions that he seemed to be, she was sure that she would want to scream. As she drew closer still, Sesshoumaru paused and seemed to take a deep breath. He had not yet made any acknowledgment of her presence and she still wondered if he even noticed her, but the moment passed and he resumed his agitated motions. Finally, Vanessa couldn't take it anymore; she thought she might go crazy herself if he didn't calm down.

 

“Sesshoumaru?” Vanessa spoke softly, hoping that she wouldn't startle him - if indeed he had not noticed her presence. Suddenly he rounded on her, red bleeding into his eyes and a feral snarl cutting the air between them. He didn't seem to recognize her. Vanessa wasn't expecting that sort of response at all and took an involuntary step back. Now what do I do?

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

After hours spent in the library pouring over every scroll and document that he thought might give the slightest clue, Sesshoumaru began to feel the need to rip each and every one of them to shreds for all the help they offered. In an effort to save his collection, he opted instead to find Rin or Vanessa - she should be returning soon as it was already well into the afternoon. It was strange the way he looked forward to meeting with her; perhaps it wouldn't be so bad having her around the palace should they not find her a way home. As he passed by the windows in the main hall, he noted the turn in the weather. How had he not noticed when he sat under the wide windows in the library? It didn't take long to find Vanessa absent from her room; Rin, however, had finished her lessons and was waiting patiently for him. “Rin, has Vanessa returned?” The girl shook her head.

“No, Sesshoumaru-sama, I haven't seen her.”

“Hn.” He turned to the window and decided that he really didn't like the look of those clouds. A storm was coming quickly and he knew only too well how vulnerable humans were to the elements, but he was also certain that Shizu would not let anything happen to Vanessa. Still… something didn't feel right about that storm.

 

Even so, one of Sesshoumaru's charges was present and he had to be sure that she was cared for. “What would you like to eat this evening?” he asked Rin. It wasn't often that he left the decision up to her, but he knew that she liked it when he did. She clapped her hands gleefully and then grew thoughtful.

“Oh, I know! May I have fish and rice with that sauce that I like? I don't know what it's called…”

“I know the one.” Rin had practically fallen in love with a buttery herb sauce and would eat it on every meal if he allowed her. “I will have the kitchen prepare your meal.”

“Oh, thank you Sesshoumaru-sama!” In her excitement, Rin ran up to him and wrapped her small arms around his right leg. He let her - he could afford to indulge her in the privacy of his own rooms as long as she knew her boundaries in public. With a soft pat on her head, Sesshoumaru gently pried Rin off of him. “I cannot get your food if you are attached to my leg.” She giggled. “Now stay here. I will return shortly.”

“Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama.” Rin seated herself on a cushion in Sesshoumaru's sitting room to wait.

 

Sesshoumaru made his way downstairs and was intercepted by Saburo when he set foot on the first floor landing. “Sesshoumaru-sama!” Saburo called as he jogged in the front door. What is it about this staircase that cries `Distract Sesshoumaru from his path'?

“Hai, Saburo-san. What is it?” Saburo approached and gave a hasty bow.

“My lord, we have just received a runner from an approaching party. They request shelter for the night from the coming storm.” Sesshoumaru frowned slightly.

“Who are they?” There were inns in the castle town and surrounding villages, why couldn't they stay there?

“A demoness by the name of… Mitsue,” Saburo responded, consulting a piece of parchment, “and her entourage.”

“Why do they not stay at an inn?” Sesshoumaru asked, voicing his earlier internal question.

Saburo allowed a small smirk to play on his lips. “She seems to think that since they are so close, nothing short of `Sesshoumaru-sama's hospitality' is worthy of her presence.” Sesshoumaru groaned inwardly - he knew the type: arrogant, self-absorbed, pampered, and constantly throwing themselves at anything male that might gain them a hand's breadth in the world. He fought the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose against the headache he knew would come. “Where is she from?”

“The runner says that she is some relation to the Eastern lord, but won't give any specifics.” If she truly was a relation of the Eastern lord, for the sake of politics, he could not turn her away - especially in the face of an impending storm, at least… not until he knew for certain who she was. He would allow one night, then find out what her purpose truly was. This `Mitsue' was a long way away from the Eastern territory, let alone the Eastern palace.

“Notify this Sesshoumaru when they arrive.”

 

There was nothing left to discuss, so Sesshoumaru turned and walked past Saburo into the courtyard that would lead him to the kitchens. He could have had a servant send in the request, but he hadn't been outside all day, not having heeded Vanessa's own request to take his work out of doors. Now in the face of an impending storm, he almost regretted not spending time enjoying the sunshine; however, had he done so, he would not have made it through the scrolls as quickly as he had - nor would he have discovered so soon how useless they were in this case. Sesshoumaru would have to seek his answers elsewhere.

 

On the way back from the kitchens, the first drops of rain fell. Sesshoumaru secretly hoped that Vanessa had made it back, or at least found shelter from the rain. He was back in his rooms with Rin by the time the sky really opened up. Vanessa still had not returned. Sesshoumaru was not too concerned yet; it was still early evening and the storm had only just begun. Surely it would pass before too long.

 

After their food came, Rin and Sesshoumaru passed the time in silence, as was their custom before Vanessa joined the group - that is until Jaken made an appearance. He had made himself surprisingly scarce over the past few weeks, ever since Vanessa had arrived, though lately he had been popping up more often. “Sesshoumaru-sama! Forgive your humble servant for not making himself available to you.” Jaken fell prostrate before his lord and waited for a response. In truth, the imp's absence had been a welcome reprieve - as long as he kept up with his duties, which he had. Quite frankly, his voice and antics grew tiresome, though he couldn't in good conscience abandon the creature merely for displaying his over abundance of loyalty.

“Jaken, calm yourself. If you wish to be useful, you may keep an eye on the other inhabitants of the palace and inform this Sesshoumaru immediately if you discover unreasonable hostility.”

“Hai, milord! I will give it my all.”

“Very well, but be discreet. You will find nothing if you are as loud as you have been in the past few moments.”

Jaken turned an interesting shade of red-brown in what Sesshoumaru could only imagine was a blush. “Hai, milord,” he said in a much calmer voice and tone. The taiyoukai glanced at the table; there was some food left over… what could it hurt to offer some to the imp? Perhaps such a `reward' would serve to remind him to keep his voice at an acceptable volume and pitch.

“Jaken, there is food left over from dinner. Have some if you wish.”

“Milord?” Jaken's already large eyes grew wide as saucers and began to fill inexplicably with tears. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. Now what? “Milord, you would share your meal with me, your humble servant? I will never forget your generosity.” … It was only some fish and rice…

“If you want it, then eat it. This Sesshoumaru tires of your incessant babbling.”

 

Jaken filled a bowl and ate as if it were the best meal he had ever tasted. All the while, Sesshoumaru watched in mild amusement. Even if the imp hadn't been skilled at keeping both Sesshoumaru and Rin's suites in addition to his own in order, he would nonetheless be amusing on occasion. Just as Jaken was finishing the last of his rice, a knock sounded on Sesshoumaru's door. It was Saburo. Apparently Mitsue and her party were through the gates and making their way into the palace proper as they spoke. Sesshoumaru gave a small sigh and rose to greet his `guests.' As he walked through the halls of his home, he found himself wondering why aristocratic demonesses couldn't be more like Vanessa. Where did that come from? Quickly banishing the thought, Sesshoumaru composed himself and prepared for the worst. He was about to step out into the rain-drenched courtyard to meet them when he saw a small group of youkai approaching and frowned slightly. No one had said anything about meeting them in his private home. As they drew nearer, he noted that one stood out from the rest, a female by the shape of her frame. Must be Mitsue. Her head and shoulders were covered in a deep red cloak and were bowed against the rain, but she strode with purpose, as though she were not an intruder in someone else's home. That alone set Sesshoumaru on edge; he knew his own arrogance could be a match for the best of them, but he still had enough decency to respect his host's hospitality. Presently, the party entered his hall and proceeded to drip astonishingly large puddles in the middle of his floor.

 

Naturally, Sesshoumaru's face was the image of calm, though within he was searching for the best way to rid himself of this nuisance as quickly as possible. The female stood before him and seemed to have lost the courtesy to at least remove her hood and present herself to her host. As it was, all that she left exposed was the lower half of her face. “Sesshoumaru, I presume,” the mouth below the hood said. Sesshoumaru hardened his gaze on her and he growled softly at the slight. You presume too much to think yourself on the same level as this Sesshoumaru. Mitsue continued before Sesshoumaru could think of something more… diplomatic to say to her. “I've heard you were the strong silent type. I just had to come find out for myself.” Thankfully, Saburo stepped in before Sesshoumaru chose to put the female in her place. That would certainly not go over well with the Eastern lord… if she really were related to him.

“Sesshoumaru-sama, may I present Mitsue-sama of the East. Mitsue-sama, meet the lord of the Western lands and master of this house, Sesshoumaru-sama.” Sesshoumaru watched the female to gauge her reaction to the correction. She gave none. Nothing short of a greeting from Sesshoumaru's own mouth would have any impact on this one.

“Mitsue-san, this Sesshoumaru offers you and your party the hospitality of the West. You may take shelter from the storm within these walls tonight.” He took a strange sort of satisfaction in the frown that appeared below the hood. Clearly, she hadn't expected to be met with such formality. That was fine with Sesshoumaru. He would offer a room in his home and be otherwise hospitable, but he did not want nor need to be friendly. Surely his reputation had preceded him. Besides that, friendliness on his part tended to invite unwanted notions in the minds of youkai females. He did not want her to even begin to entertain the notion that she would be welcome beyond the extent of this storm. Something about her simply did not feel right… And why had she not removed her hood? Did she have something to hide? “Remove your cloaks and I will have them hung to dry.” So that you can leave as soon as possible. Mitsue's servants complied immediately, passing off their wet cloaks to Sesshoumaru's house servants, but Mitsue still resisted. Theatrics will get you nowhere.

 

Finally, Mitsue pushed her hood back and Sesshoumaru felt his heart stop. No… How? It… cannot be… His mind refused to believe what his eyes told him. No… It is not… possible. He managed to maintain his cool expression, though it was a struggle. Inside he was a tempest of conflicting emotions. First and foremost was shock, then came rage and as the memories long buried resurfaced, he even felt a faint longing for what he once thought he had. There before him, as though she had stepped directly from those memories was a perfect image of Atsuko: the same two-toned hair, her eyes, and her ears, even faint feather pattern on her cheekbones and around her eyes. No… not quite perfect… There was a small red teardrop shape in the center of her forehead and… something else wasn't quite right, but he couldn't place what it was. It is not possible. She died! I killed her. No… No! He still refused to believe what he was seeing. He had to leave. He had to be somewhere, anywhere but near this ghost from his past. “Show her to a room,” Sesshoumaru commanded of Saburo. The tiger nodded and Sesshoumaru turned to the rear door of his building. He heard Mitsue protest and try to follow, but Saburo gently, but firmly, guided her up the stairs to the guest wing.

 

Sesshoumaru walked quickly - he wouldn't run - to the one place he knew he could find refuge. He hardly noticed his surroundings or the rain as he made his way to his hidden garden. Questions battered his mind, breaking through the shock of seeing Atsuko… Mitsue, until finally he was swallowed up in the quiet solitude of his sanctuary. There he let himself go, but even in this secluded place he couldn't bring himself to completely release the pent up energy. He needed to move, but somehow he felt that if he took to pacing he would end up destroying his small refuge so he settled for clenching and flexing his claws. Occasionally the tips of his claws pierced the skin of his palms, but he barely registered the pain. How is she here? How is it possible? It couldn't really be `his' Atsuko… could it? He felt her take her last breath. He heard her heart stop. So how was she back again? Sesshoumaru felt rage building within him. How could he forget what Atsuko had done? It couldn't really be her… could it?

 

Suddenly a scent tickled his senses through the rain - one that had never previously been in the small garden… lilacs… and spring rain, almost indistinguishable against the storm. It was one that his subconscious knew to be safe, one that was oddly calming. Then he froze, realization hitting him like a slap. That's it. What he hadn't noticed about Mitsue before was that she had no scent. What is she? Now he was almost certain that she couldn't truly be a `relation' of the Eastern lord, so why the ruse? He thought of Inuyasha's undead miko, wondering if someone had somehow brought Atsuko back as well… but the miko smelled of death, dirt, and clay. Mitsue was something else entirely, but what? And why was she here? Sesshoumaru had no tolerance for games and his irritation spiked. It was growing more difficult to maintain his control. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a voice broke through his thoughts. “Sesshoumaru?” He spun in the direction of the voice, a snarl escaping his throat.

“What?” he demanded. Even to his own ears, his voice sounded rough; perhaps he had lost himself more than he thought. Sesshoumaru glared at the intruder as it backed away - it was female and… human. She was the source of that scent; he knew her. Vanessa. The thought that he might have frightened her instantly reigned in the steadily growing rage. He didn't want to hurt her.

 

Sesshoumaru straightened and took a step toward Vanessa. She was wary, but didn't run. He could feel her concern, but what was it about? “Why are you here, Vanessa?” he asked, gentler this time and he was pleased to note that his voice had returned to normal.

“I… saw you in the house, and I followed you.” Vanessa stepped away from the shadows of the surrounding bushes and he saw that she was soaked.

“Why?”

“I was concerned. I was feeling so much from you that I couldn't imagine how you could stay so calm. What happened?” Could he tell her? Few in the palace remembered that time. He had no reason to talk about it… until now. Perhaps Vanessa could shed new light on the subject.

“Come with me,” he said and moved deeper into the garden to a broad tree that he knew would provide some shelter from the rain; she was already wet, but he could lessen her exposure until she went back in to change.

 

They sat at the base of the tree where the limbs above were densest. Sesshoumaru was thankful that the evening was still warm despite the rain. He couldn't have Vanessa getting chilled and falling ill; when they returned, he would insist that she change quickly into dry clothing and go to bed, but first, he knew that she wouldn't be satisfied until he told her what happened and everything else that went with it. How on earth had he allowed her to come to have such an influence over him?

 

“I told you once of a friend I had as a pup,” Sesshoumaru began. Vanessa nodded, signifying that she remembered; he knew she would. “Her name was Atsuko. We were intended to be mates… similar to your marriage, but so much deeper.”

“Atsuko… that's a pretty name,” Vanessa said then she frowned. “Wait, `was'? What happened?”

“She and her father… betrayed my family, betrayed me. They had to be eliminated.” He couldn't bring himself to tell her that it was by his own hands that Atsuko died. Why? Why did he suddenly care what she thought… what would she think if he told her that he killed his intended with his bare hands?

“Wow… that's harsh,” she said softly.

“It is the way of things in youkai society,” Sesshoumaru found himself defending. He suddenly felt the need to justify his actions to her. “They had even gathered a following. My family would not have remained in power if they were allowed to live.”

“No, I understand. Humans don't take betrayal lightly either. I'm just sorry it had to happen that way… it must have been hard to witness.” Harder still to carry out. “But what does that have to do with the woman in the hall?”

“That `woman' is a demoness by the name of Mitsue. She claims to have come from the family of the Eastern lord, but I find that difficult to believe.”

“Why?”

“I have known him longer than I have been lord of the West and I have never seen this Mitsue. And…” Saying it made it seem real. What would it mean if this really was Atsuko come back to him? Would she be the same - deceitful and greedy? What if she weren't Atsuko at all? How could he look at her and not find the demoness that he once thought he loved? Sesshoumaru was startled out of his troubled musings by a soft weight on his forearm. He glanced down to find Vanessa's hand on his sleeve.

“What is it?” she asked, concern still darkening her eyes.

 

Sesshoumaru growled softly to himself and looked away. He was being weak. Mitsue should not be any different from other guests… except that she was. Her appearance was sudden and unexpected - on top of being that of someone he had long ago left behind. Immediately Vanessa retracted her hand, probably thinking that he was growling at her. He wasn't, but it was easier to keep up the illusion of detachment if he kept that information to himself. “Mitsue bears a remarkable resemblance to Atsuko - a mirror image save for two things,” he said finally. Vanessa gasped.

“Oh my,” she said, “I can understand how that would be a shock. What's different about Mitsue?”

“She has a strange marking on her forehead and she has no scent.”

“No scent? How can that be?”

“It is possible to mask one's scent, but why would Mitsue do so? What does she have to hide? I do not know what to make of her,” Sesshoumaru admitted. Vanessa grew quiet, and seemed to ponder all that he had told her.

“What if…” she said finally, “if it's possible for youkai to mask their scent, is it also possible to change their appearance too? What if Mitsue doesn't look like Atsuko at all? What if she's only pretending to look like her? I can understand masking one's scent, but I can't imagine changing it altogether would be very easy.” Very perceptive…

“It is possible to create an illusion as a disguise… but what purpose would that serve? Anyone who knew Atsuko would know that she died.” Vanessa shrugged.

“Maybe someone just wanted to see what you would do.”

“I despise games such as this.”

 

Suddenly, Vanessa giggled. Sesshoumaru glared at her. “I fail to find the humor in this situation,” he said.

“The situation isn't funny… you are.” Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, daring her to continue.

“True, it looks like you're being toyed with - used, and no one wants to be in that position, but you're so serious all the time. Sometimes I think you don't like any games, never mind those where you're the butt of some twisted joke.” Vanessa thought for a moment. “You know…” she continued, “In the entire time I've known you - what, five… six weeks? - I haven't seen you laugh or even smile once. Don't you ever do anything just for the sheer fun of it?”

“You somehow persuaded this Sesshoumaru to dance this morning. That is a form of entertainment, is it not?”

“That was only because I guilted you into it. You didn't do it because you really wanted to.”

“You overestimate your powers of persuasion. I do what I wish when I wish to do it.”

“Oh really. Well, you still didn't do it because you thought it would be fun, that much was clear from your first reaction to the suggestion.” Then she grinned. “But you did have fun, didn't you?” she said, nudging his knee. That does not deserve a response.

“This Sesshoumaru has no time, nor the need, for `fun,'” he said instead.

“Right, we'll see about that.” Sesshoumaru didn't like the mischievous light in Vanessa's violet gaze, nor did he like the twisted smirk that she wore. This would not bode well for him. “You know what I think?” Vanessa asked suddenly.

Sesshoumaru eyed her warily. “No…”

“I think you should wait and see what happens with Mitsue. Maybe she's here to gather information or maybe she really is some long lost relation to the Eastern lord, but whatever her reason for being here, you won't find out what her purpose is if you get rid of her right away.”

Had she been considering this the entire time she was bantering and poking fun? She had a valid point. Perhaps he should give her more credit and seek her advice in the future… Coming from a different time and place, she would have a unique perspective. He would have to think on it.

“I agree,” Sesshoumaru said, acknowledging Vanessa's point.

“You should invite her to stay a while… maybe a week or so. Hear what she has to say. And… my Japanese is much better than when I first arrived - maybe I could talk to her. She might confide in another female… then again maybe not. I am human after all.” Vanessa frowned a little.

“You might be surprised.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, puzzled.

“It is strange. I have told you more these past weeks than I have anyone else in the past few centuries. I do not know what it is about you, but you are… easy to talk to.” That seemed to be what she needed to hear, as a radiant smile lit her face.

“I told you I was a good listener.”

“That you did.”

 

A cool breeze blew through the garden, causing Vanessa to shiver in her damp clothing. Sesshoumaru was likewise soaked, but was not bothered by the chill. He looked out from the shelter of the tree and found that the rain had slowed to a light drizzle. That combined with the human's susceptibility to the elements told him it was time to go back. “It is time to go in,” he told her. “You will retrieve dry clothes and then have a bath.” Normally, he didn't like to give her orders, but in this case, he would tolerate no argument. He didn't want her to fall ill.

“Do I smell that bad?” Vanessa asked with a smirk.

“You are cold. You may become ill if you are not properly warmed.”

“Alright, alright. I'll have a bath.” Sesshoumaru nodded, pleased that she did not argue, and rose, offering Vanessa his hand to help her up. She accepted, but once she was on her feet, she looked up at him with a strange smile.

“What is it now?”

“You know… if you keep this up, someone might label you a `mother hen.'”

Sesshoumaru stared at her. “Mother hen?”

“It's a term for someone who acts a little overprotective of those they care about - whether they're children or other friends.”

“Hm.” He was protective. His time caring for Rin had shown him that humans are fragile, and since he had vowed to himself to keep Vanessa safe, he would do what was necessary to keep her from harm - including sickness. But to be called a `mother hen'… Ridiculous.

 

 

 

 

A/N: Aw… I just talked to my baby brother (21 in 2 months) for the first time in 3 weeks .0_0. He left for basic training almost a month ago and every time he's called since then we haven't been home. He's doing well, though… lots of push-ups. Hehe.

 

On a side note… My mom's gotten into this heritage/genealogy kick and I recently found out that one of my ancestors is the poet Robert Herrick. He lived way back in the 1600s in England. Anyway, as I was perusing some of his works online (google him, there's quite a bit out there if you're interested) and I found a poem of his that fit a certain inuyoukai that we all know and love. ^_^ I will share it with you:

 

`The Frozen Heart'

by Robert Herrick

 

I freeze, I freeze, and nothing dwells

In me but snow and icicles,

For pity's sake, give your advice,

To melt this snow and thaw this ice.

I'll drink down flames; but if so be

Nothing but love can supple me,

I'll rather keep this frost and snow

Than to be thaw'd or heated so.

 

Your thoughts?

 

To my lovely reviewers:

Cochrann: I've always been fascinated by Pegasus… Maybe I'll have Vanessa talk to Shizu about him sometime. Flying horses and unicorns are some of my favorite fantasy animals - and dragons. Anyway, the “The Pastoral Symphony” in Fantasia (Disney) with the flying horses doing their thing in the sky always made me want to ride them. The little black one with the white mane and tail was always my favorite. Now I want to watch Fantasia… Good thing I have it ^_^

 

DESTRUCTION_13: New reader! … or at least… new commenter… I'm so glad you like my story, and do try hard to put enough detail in to make it feel like you're right there. I read through and ask myself any questions that come to mind and hopefully I answer all of them without being too wordy. And I'll try to put more in about Vanessa's appearance… I might have to go back and adjust the first few chapters. It's hard to describe her at this point without making it seem obvious that that's what I'm trying to do. I'll work on it. Just for you. ^_^

 

laa_girl: I can totally understand missing your dog. My Louie (a shih-tzu/Pekingese mix… all black with white paws and a white stripe on his chest… stand him up and it looks like he's wearing a tux ^_^ the stories I have of my Bubba-Louie.) has to stay at home with my parents when I go to school out of state… After this summer I won't see him for a year! I'd take him with me to Europe if it weren't for the quarantine regulations. I couldn't lock him up for 6 weeks.

I always like your comments (you're right, by the way). They make me feel appreciated. Keep up the good work on your story too, and don't worry about the length. I just get an idea and run with it… though usually it's the finding ideas part that makes your wait a little longer. Take care!

 

sess's girl: Have no fear, there will be more Naraku in upcoming chapters. Mwahaha. ^_^ And don't worry about not reading mine right away, I sometimes don't get around to reading all the updates in my favorites right away either.

 

erikphan1: My `obedient servant,' eh? I like the sound of that. Now you can clean house and work my mom's garage sale so I don't have to. ^_^ I'm glad you like my story. I'm always happy to meet someone new. And thank you for the cookie

 

mnesai1: Who'd have thought my little stab at writing could be so inspiring…? I'm glad you come back every time, especially since you know a thing or two about writing. I haven't had any literary education other than some basic college English so… I don't always know what I'm doing. All in fun though, right?