InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Botanist and the Beast ❯ Chapter 6: Pitchforks and Kimonos ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer: I don't own, Sesshou, Rin and all other inu char's Takahashi Rumiko does. The characters from Alice in Wonderland belong to Lewis Carroll because I've failed to mention it before. I barely own that beat to hell Dodge and they seem lest interested in owning it than I do.

 

The Botanist and the Beast

Chapter 6: Pitchforks and Kimonos

Dear Alice,

Your lessons won't lessen from day to day if you never start them in the first place. Unless, of course, you are beginning from the end and going to the beginning, and still you must start even that at some point.

-The Gryphon

 

I had worried all the next day over how I would leave our dysfunctional little band, what I would say to Rin, Jaken, Ah-Un and how I would approach the village. I wanted to find someway to reassure Rin that I would be fine without Sesshomaru there to guard me, and I still wanted to return Jaken's extreme thoughtfulness when I was hurt. Thinking over my possessions I came up with one item that I could give him that I thought might prove useful.

 

That night, after the evening rituals of dinner, practice and bathing had been taken care of, I went to Sesshomaru. He did not seem to notice my approach. He never looked away from the unseen spot in the distance, but I knew that he was aware of every beat of my heart and nervous intake of breath as I came to the most distant edge of our encampment and stopped by his side. “May I speak with you a moment, Sesshomaru-sama?” I asked making my tone as soft as I could and keeping my head bowed, hands clasped before me and eyes lowered in respect. It hurt my pride, but I would not risk his ire this close to my departure and leaving my companions with more bad memories than we already shared. He made a contemptuous noise.

 

“False modesty and respect will win you no favors, ningen. Speak you piece and be gone.” He continued to stare into the distance as I straitened from the uncomfortable position gratefully. This may go easier than I thought.

 

“I intend on saying my goodbyes to Rin, Jaken and ah-Un this evening, and in the morning if you would point out the way to me, I will continue to the village alone.”

 

“What purpose would that serve?” He asked prosaically, as he finally looked in my direction.

 

“It has probably escaped your notice, because to you all humans look the same, but the shape and color of my eyes, my hair and skin are different than every other person on this island. I am a foreigner and it takes a great deal of work for me to get these superstitious yokels,” God only knows how that word translates, “to accept me. It would only cause me problems if anyone in the village or surrounding area saw me arrive with three yokai and a little girl. Also I don't expect that your usual travel itinerary would include a village of that sort and is therefore a hindrance to those plans. I have been a big enough irritant as it is and I wish to curtail that annoyance as much as possible. God only knows how I will manage to repay you for what you have already done for me.” I finished lamely my words spent I fiddled with the tattered sleeve of my kimono as I waited for his reply. All of my things are so worn out and bedraggled I'm going to look like a war refugee when I get to that village.

 

“It is a good plan.” I was surprised, but only nodded and turned back to the camp, “You saved the life of one of my vassals. You owe me nothing.” I turned back to him.

 

“I would have saved her anyway, I don't really consider it a debt to you.” I said dismissively.

 

“As you please,” was his response before falling silent and I left him there, crossing the short distance back to the others, and their more comprehensible issues.

 

Ah-Un let loose a mournful sound from both mouths and rested his heads on my shoulders as Rin broke into sobs at the news and Jaken pretended grumpily to be happy with it from his place near the fire but I thought the toad man protested too much.

 

“Donella-sama no, you can't leave us! Villages aren't safe!” The weeping child clung desperately to my neck as Jaken said.

 

“Heh, good riddance, you do nothing but get in the way and things will be much more peaceful without you're constant chattering about stupid tales and human remedies.” His words were harsh but he could not look at me and clutched his staff reassuringly. I focused on Rin, kneeling to be at her level, but I made my words for all of them.

 

“I am lucky to have met each and everyone of you, and I am grateful for the time we have spent together, but I need to be someplace I can serve a purpose and none of you need me here.” Rin answered me with a heart retching sob, and I tightened my hug.

 

“That's right, woman, you are neither needed nor wanted and I can't believe my lord has put up with your insufferable presence for so long. Slow paced, insufferably smelly moons blood, poor manners and constant disrespect…” The Toad quieted into a discontent and incoherent, angry mutter.

 

“Rin, I told you before that life is uncertain no matter who your companions are.” I continued. “But I'm not going to spend it hiding behind anything. I am glad you have so much faith in Sesshomaru-sama, and I am even more thankful that he takes such good care of you, Jaken and Ah-Un. I have come to love all as much as my own, lost family and it would rip me apart if anything happened to any of you. But, I am no part of your master's journey and I don't belong here. I need to find out where I fit into this place. Can you understand?” Her tear full eyes looked up at me and as she nodded and I heard a stifled sniff from Jaken's direction as the kappa hid his face behind a sleeve.

 

“Can we visit you sometime? To make sure you are all right?” Her eyes filled with hope.

 

“I would love nothing in this world more, but that is between you and your master when the time comes. For now lets make the time we have as pleasant as possible,” and so saying I sat down to fire and I sang them happy songs and told stories where people were lost and reunited at the end until everyone was asleep, and even Sesshomaru seemed comfortable, slumped against his tree. Then, with one regretful look around the clearing, I removed my things from Ah-Un's pack and distributed them between my backpack and woven basket, before kissing Rin's forehead, curling up next to Ah-Un and giving into sleep.

 

The next morning Rin refused to leave my side and periodically clutched my kimono in a desperate hug as I moved around the camp preparing breakfast and helping them pack up. Jaken tried to look severe, but sidelong glances revealed his sad frowns. When we were all ready to depart and Sesshomaru said, “Time to leave.” I turned to Rin and handed her a plastic sleeve from my photo album containing the picture of me on the cliff. “Since you thought I looked so pretty in it, I want you to have this, so when you want to you can always see my face, Hotaru.” She burst into tears and hugged the picture close while clinging to my neck in a fierce hug. When she finally released me from her sobbing embrace I went to Jaken and offered him a green and brown scarf, one of my first successful weaving and knitting projects from the year before. “Jaken, I'd like you to have this. Winter will be here soon and I know you will not only make good use of it, but look quite dashing.” He took the scarf gently as if it would melt; a look of wonder spread across his face. “I cannot properly thank you for all of your kindness. Nor can I put into words how much your friendship means to me. I will miss you, and I would like you to know that I am proud to say that I am a friend to you, Jaken-dono, Leader of the kappa yokai.”

 

I pulled him into a rough hug and he softly mumbled, “I will miss you too, Donella-sama, good luck in your travels.” I had no gift for Ah-Un, but I hugged both head individually and kissed the dragon's snouts as the creature let loose a mournful howl before I turned to Sesshomaru, and quietly I waited.

 

He had kept a disdainful eye upon the mournful proceedings, and though I struggled with sorrow I did not have one tear marring my features as he coolly considered me. “Follow the sun keep it over your left shoulder and you should reach the village well before nightfall, if you do not dawdle.”

 

“Easy enough. Thank you, Sesshomaru-sama, for your forbearance, protection and guidance these past few months. I doubt we shall meet again, but I wish you luck in you travels,” it was the easiest goodbye of them all as I turned in the direction of the rising sun. With my back straight, and head held high, I moved away from the closest thing I had to family in the feudal era, to make my own way and they traveled in the opposite direction. I did not look back to see if they watched me go.

 

I arrived at the village late that afternoon, and was surprised to find it more of a large town than the small jumble of huts I had expected. I was not disappointed by the hostility I encountered, as that was even more prolific than I had anticipated. The hostile glances and hushed whispers emanated from every person I passed as I made my determined way to the village shrine. I'll be fine if I just make it to the shrine, I thought, they, by the tenants of their religion, must help me. I held the though to me as the whispers became more hostile the longer I stayed and my footsteps were dogged by muttering villagers. Eventually, with a crowed of unfriendly people and jeering children behind me, I approached the Elderly Miko waiting outside the shrine.

 

“Excuse my disturbance, Miko-sama, my name is O'Conghaile Donella, I am a foreigner in your country and am in need of aid.” Having never actually addressed a shrine priestess before, I gave her as much deference as I could and prayed to whatever god was willing to help that I had not botched it. The priestess came forward, and taking my head into her hands gazed deeply into my face with her one good eye. I felt a jolt in my stomach as she said, “Tell me Donella-san, where is it ye hail from and how did ye come to this place?”

 

Something in her gaze made me feel like I couldn't possibly lie to her, but the words that came out of my mouth were not my own as I heard myself answer quietly, “I come from the Isle of Eireann, and I have traveled through the veil of time to be where I am most needed.” The priestess frowned at that. I felt that I should say something about America, a botany study and a hole in the ground. Yet my voice wouldn't work for me as her hands remained on my face and I continued to feel suspended somewhere away from the conversation.

 

“Why are ye needed here, child?” She asked in a perplexed but searching tone.

 

“I am not needed here, this is just a step in a path made of many such moments that will lead me there.” I was screaming in my head at the priestess, out of frustration and confusion. What the fuck did you do to me you crazy witch? What path, what journey? Let me GO! But it was no use and all I could do was wait for the encounter to end, or get worse.

 

“I see, I will offer ye what aid I can then.” She said thoughtfully as she released my head and a dizzy wave of weakness overcame me. The surprisingly strong priestess was under my arm, supporting me before I realized I had fallen, and my thoughts were too jumbled to wonder about what had just occurred as she led me into the shrine.

 

“My name is Kaede,” She introduced as she sat me down on a small futon in an alcove off of the main shrine room. Two young girls were now behind her, eyeing me curiously, as I struggled to regain some of my senses and my strength.

 

“What? I don't understand what just happened, why did you make me say those things?” I asked weakly trying to arrange my thoughts.

 

“I merely spoke to your soul, dear child, ye did the talking.” The old woman responded cryptically. One of the girls produced a steaming cup of tea and offered it to the priestess, who in turn handed to me. I gratefully drank the strong brew, using the time to examine the Miko and my surroundings. The little girls had wandered back to the main room and were busily sweeping the floor and dusting. The ancient Miko watched me intently as I eyeballed her immaculately kept red Hakama and white shirt, the black silk patch hiding her right eye from view, her heavy build and ancient features all bespoke a hard life and a strong will.

 

Well, grandma, you sure haven't skipped any meals lately. I though rudely but when I spoke my voice was respectful, “Kaede-sama, your people and mine believe that a soul can live more than once, and God knows my being here is enough proof that the world is even more fantastic than even my Grandmother believed. But I'm not sure I can accept that my soul not only knows something I don't about why I ended up here, but also told you instead of me?” I couldn't help but scoff a little; even for my life this was an absurd twist.

 

“I sense a great deal of spiritual energy in ye, my dear. Though it is not like any I am familiar with. Your soul is very old and your story is akin to one I know well.” She remarked sagaciously, “Not that long ago a girl named Kagome entered a well in the year nineteen ninety-six and arrived here in our well, in this time. She to possesses immense spiritual power and uses it to this day to rid this world of a great evil.” My astonishment must have been written all over my face for the old woman chuckled, “I do not believe it is that common an occurrence. In my sixty-eight years of life, ye be the only other person I know to have experienced this phenomenon.” The old woman's words shocked me as she told me of Inu-Yasha, Kagome, their companions, Naraku and the Shikon Jewel.

 

When she had finished I asked, “Did she ever make it back? This Kagome girl?” I could not keep the excitement from my voice. Since I had parted ways with my friend in that morning, the sense of uselessness I'd felt when I directionlessly following Sesshomaru had increased and I thought I had perhaps found the answer as to why. Maybe I've done what I was supposed to by saving Rin's life and need to go back now. It made a great deal of sense to me that Rin would be an important enough person to bring back someone from the future to save her. Her boundless energy, indomitable good cheer and enthusiasm for life, despite her closer relationship with Sesshomaru, seemed to mark her for an eventful and probably history altering life.

 

“With the aid of the Shikon no Tama she is able to transport herself across the veil of time at will, I am not sure the magic will do the same for you.” She remarked in a bemused tone as I came quickly to my feet.

 

I wobbled woozily for a moment but remained standing as I requested, “Please show me this well.” The old woman gave me a resigned look as she stood and led me to the woods bordering the town. She stopped near the forest edge and in the fading evening light I saw and abandoned well. It was scared and battered with age and had apparently seen some violent use in it's time, as evident by broken boards and splintered wood that surrounded it. I went to the edge and looked into its midnight depths. “Does she climb down, or does she just jump in?” I asked giving the well one last skeptical look before turning to my companion.

 

“I believe she leaps in.” The Miko responded. Well the prize never goes to the timid. I thought inspirationally as I stepped to the rim of the well and let myself drop down into the darkness. I felt a tug as my descent slowed a bit, and thought I saw a quick flash of like and a woman's whispered voice before I hit the bottom of the well hard. “Owe!” I cried and heard the old woman call from above.

 

“Are ye all right, Donella-san?”

 

I sighed; ok it was worth a try. I thought sadly as I looked for a means to heave myself back to the surface. “I'm fine Kaede-sama, but I guess that jewel you mentioned is needed for the transition after all!” I hollered up the well as I found some sturdy roots and began the climb out. Sturdy hands reached for me as I made the lip of the well and again I was surprised by the old woman's strength.

 

“I am sorry, that you cannot return to your home, child, but perhaps your purpose here is not yet complete.”

 

“If it's not, Kaede-sama, I'm not sure what more I need to do.” I responded in puzzlement.

 

“Perhaps…” But she was unable to finish the remark as an explosion from the village rocked the ground like and earthquake and villagers began to flee in our direction as another explosion followed the first sending stone and wood flying from the demolished homes in our direction. The priestess began to run in the direction of the commotion, and though every instinct in me to me to go in the direction of the villagers, I followed the elderly woman back through the rubble and chaos to the small shrine. She darted to an alcove and grabbed a bow and a few arrows before running back out the door. Catching on to her suicidal plan I retrieved my sword wordlessly followed her to the commotions epicenter.

 

The fist yokai was terrifying in his size and foreignness. Easily twenty feet tall, with a monkey face, covered in long shaggy hair and equipped with terrifying claws, the creature was occupied by pointlessly spitting balls of pure energy into buildings at will. On his shoulder rested a smaller more human Yokai. Behind them flew a swarm of smaller monsters resembling killer bees on super, evil genius steroids.

 

The second creature appeared from the distance to be male, with long black hair, wearing a blue kimono and long, sleeveless, Michiyuki; he had a sword strapped to his back and a lotus flower in his hand. The creature laughed at the destruction and pandemonium his lager companion was creating and it made his face light up. He's beautiful, in a demented angel from hell kind of way, I thought ironically as the priestess at my side took aim at the largest monster and let loose an arrow. It struck its mark, a pink glow radiated from the arrows tip and the monster let out a wail of pain. The yokai on his shoulder wobbled on his perch and both creatures looked our way. Oh shit was my only coherent thought as the smaller Yokai alighted towards us, a menacing smile on his lips. When he spoke his voice was a smooth as butter, and as cold as ice. “My name is Byakuya, and my master wishes to speak with Sesshomaru, woman, where is he?” Surprisingly his question was directed at me, and not the Miko who had defensively position herself between the monster and I.

 

“Not here, obviously,” the months in Sesshomaru's intimidating company came in handy; as I spoke, my voice betrayed no fear.

 

“Baka, ningen, tell me where he has gone or I shall kill you.” His tone was bored rather than threatening but a chill went up my spine anyway. It was the priestess who answered him this time.

 

“This woman knows nothing of Inu-Yasha's elder brother, nor to any of these villagers, be gone demon or you shall be vanquished.” Her words were brave but her hands shook and the yokai laughed raucously as he slapped her out of the way; she flew through the wall of the home she'd landed against and did not move. Now he faced me directly, I raised my sword in a defensive stance and waited on trembling knees. Well, Sesshomaru, here's that fight you told me I wouldn't live through, I thought ironically as Byakuya spoke again.

 

“Where has he gone, ningen?” A strong wind sent my hair flying backwards wildly as I met his red eyes evenly with my own and replied.

 

“I traveled some months with a kappa, a girl and a dragon. I met their master Sesshomaru but once, and then only briefly. I have no idea where he maybe now.” The lie rolled smoothly off of my tongue but the creature looked unconvinced.

 

“You lie I smell him all over you, tell me where he is, or my companion and I tear this village to the ground before kill every ningen that huddles in the woods around it, including you.” It was my turn to laugh at him, the closeness of my own death giving me a reckless clarity.

 

“You're going to do that no matter what I tell you, the answer I gave is the only one you will get from me. Lets just get this over with shall me?” I smiled and raised my sword in an obvious challenge and the yokai laughed again.

 

“So eager to defend you master, little ningen, you are willing to sacrifice your life for his?” He teased the petals of the flower he held with is fingertips and I realized it was made out of paper. The idle motion was unreasonably terrifying, and something with in me yelled TRAP.

 

No, I thought, not him, but Rin, Jaken, Ah-un I would die to keep them safe. The ferocity of the feeling startled me because I did not realize they had gained such importance in my life, but the insight solidified my conviction as I stared the yokai down, “I have no master, fiend, and my sacrifice will mean nothing to these people, but I won't die cowering from you.”

 

“Then you are a fool.” He remarked as he leaped back from me gracefully while blowing on the petals of the paper flower. The petals detached quickly as they blew in my direction forming into a cyclone of fire. I dove sideways but not far enough to escape the blast and stared in horror as I watched my end draw near. I could not help closing my eyes at the last moment and crying into mind with all my might and emotion. I DO NOT WANT TO DIE! I heard the rush of the flames as they rolled over me and felt the heat, but a few seconds passed and I realized I was in no pain. Cracking my eyes tentatively I looked around. The sight before me caused my crack to widen to an astonished look of wonder as I saw a warm globe of flame encompassing me but not burning. My hand went out and gingerly touched the solid barrier, the globe felt like glass. A shiver ran through me as if someone had run their fingers gently over my skin and something inside me said that the bubble was a part of me.

 

“Baka, ningen how did you manage to deflect my attack?” Byakuya's voice range with rage now as he blew another wall of fire at me, this time I stood and instinctively pushed my fear and anger into the barrier and felt the creatures flames bounce back towards him. The redirected fire bounced off of Byakuya's own barrier and was dispelled harmlessly leaving both of us unscathed. He howled in rage and pulled a much larger lotus from his hair and blew an immense torrent of flame in my direction.

 

I grit my teeth against the onslaught and focused my whole being onto the idea of redirecting the fire towards the large hairy monster Byakuya was perched upon. The monster exploded into ash. Through the blinding flash I saw Byakuya leaped away and mount some crazy device as he flew from the scene. I'm rubber your glue, I though perversely as I fell into exhausted unconsciousness.

 

I woke to find Rin's tear soak visage peering down at me worriedly and as my eyes fluttered open Jaken threw himself upon my prone form with a joyful exclamation. Could it all have been a dream? I thought as my fuzzy brain tried to produce an alternative explanation to current events and failed until I actually listened to Jaken incoherent babble, “When Sesshomaru-dono brought you back and you wouldn't wake up Rin became so worried! Why would you scare her like that Donella-chan? What happened to you, lord Sesshomaru would tell me nothing…” My mind folded back into itself, tuning him out, as I focused on my thoughts. I struggled to understand how Sesshomaru had found me let alone brought me here, or why. My body felt as if I'd just done some intensive physical labor, I was nothing more than a mass of aching muscles and stiff joints with pounding headache. That headache was quickly forming into a major migraine as the whiney toad continued to babble and carp upon my insensitive, and selfish nature.

 

“Jaken.” My voice came out as a froggy, croaking whisper.

 

“Nani?”

 

“Damare. You're making my headache worse. Please don't make me go through the inconveniences of having to pummel you into silence. I'm rather sore, and tired at the moment.” My threat was weak and devoid of feeling, but he quieted and quickly offered me a hand as I struggled to sit. “How long have I been here?” I asked as I examined the fire lit encampment.

 

“A little over a day.” Rin answered as she offered me a cup of water, “Donella-sama, are you alright? What happened?” I took the mug gratefully and eagerly consumed its contents before answering.

 

“The village was attacked, Kaede and I did what we could to defend it, she…” I trailed off thoughtfully. She was hurt; what if she needs help! I laboriously stood, “I have to go back. She was injured, she may need help and my things are still there.” A wave of dizziness hit me and I felt myself tumbling to the earth. Strong arms caught me before I reached it; I smelled pine needles and crisp autumn. With a sigh, I relaxed comfortably into the embrace as I was gently lowered back to my blankets.

 

“The Miko is fine.” I felt the base tremble of Sesshomaru's voice run through my back. My whole body stiffened at the sound and it sent a nervous flutter through my stomach as I realized whose arms I must have been resting in. I pushed away from the solid warmth and scrambled to look at him.

 

“You!” I poked him in the chest with an extended finger as I pushed my face into his, rage out weighing reason as I continued, “You self-centered son of a bitch! You could have at least warned me crazy, yokai assassins might be dropping by looking for you before you pointed me towards an innocent human settlement and abandoned me to them.” I put all of the fear and panic from the attack into my exclamation and I could not stop a few weary tears from escaping as I finished. I looked away from him with a wordless snarl of fury and I clenched my fisted hands into the blankets forcing aback the hysterical tears. Rin rested her hand comfortingly on my arm as he responded.

 

“Baka, there was no need for you to lie, nor conceal my whereabouts from him. I am quite capable of handling Naraku's minions on my own.” His tone was exasperated and haughty and it served to only increase my irritation.

 

“Trust me I would never dream of doing anything so stupid! The truth of the matter is, that asshole was going to kill me no matter what I'd told him. It may sound absurd, but I wasn't going to let him have the satisfaction of killing me and getting what he wanted.” The volume and intensity of my argument became weaker as I fought my overwhelming fatigue.

 

“How did you manage to erect that barrier and deflect his attack?” I looked back at him then and answered honestly.

 

“I'm not sure, maybe it was the voice in the well, or maybe it was the energy Kaede told me about, I just don't know and I'm not sure I could do it again.” My eyes drooped tiredly and then a thought occurred to me that sent them flying open and focusing on his face. “You were there. You were there, listening the whole time and did nothing. You were going to let him kill me, you son of a bitch!”

 

A perplexed look crossed his face, “You keep saying that phrase, son of a bitch, but I fail to see what my parentage has to do with this conversation.” It was probably the exhaustion, but his completely sincere and absurd remark deflated me like pin in a balloon, and I let myself fall back into the blankets and closed my eyes.

 

“I just don't care anymore, you obviously don't give a damn and nothing I say is going to change that. I don't even know why I tried. The more time I spend around you the more I find it easier to believe it's not you but Jaken who has managed to keep Rin alive this long despite her idol worshiping blather. I can't imagine you would even take the time.” I was uncertain if my last hateful words were said out loud, but I didn't hear a response from any of them as I sunk into unconsciousness.

 

When I woke again I lay still in the encompassing warm void of the blankets and my closed eyelids for several minutes collecting my thoughts and reviewing the attack. Kaede said Sesshomaru was Inu-Yasha's elder brother, but in her story, Inu-Yasha's brother has tried to kill him and the others several times…No wonder he got so upset when I asked him if he'd ever justified killing someone because of his prejudices…And if Inu-Yasha is accompanied by a girl from the future with crazy energy powers while looking for the Naraku guy I guess it's only fair that the next girl from the future with crazy energy powers ended up with his brother… Though I think Sesshomaru's ending up with the raw deal since I can't even work the powers. Hell it could have been a cosmic one time `save your ass from terrible death' card and never work again… I sighed in my musing and Rin immediately said, “Donella-sama are you awake? Rin brought you berries!” I sighed again as I opened my eyes and looking into her beaming face. Her cupped hands were over flowing in sweet, red berries.

 

“Rin, I think I need some magic.” I remark gloomily and she frowned.

 

“What kind of Magic Donella-sama?” I took the berries from her and set then down on the blankets before answering.

 

“Hug magic!” I laughed as I pulled her into a giggling embrace. “ Despite the scary yokai attack, I am so glad to be back with you guys!” I announced happily as I released the laughing girl and popped a berry into my mouth. I was feeling surprisingly better after my long rest and very hungry.

 

“Rin is happy you are back too, and though they won't tell you; I think Ah-un, Jaken-sama and Sesshomaru-sama are happy too.” I smiled at her.

 

“Well I'll believe the first two, but I think I still have a bone to pick with the last one.” The bleak tone of my observation was not lost on the clever child.

 

“Sesshomaru-sama wouldn't have let you come to harm Donella-sama, that's probably why he was there in the first place!” her cheerfully certain tone halted any protests I would have made. Why ruin her fantasy? Even creeps need someone to love them.

 

I nodded in response and looked around, Jaken was sitting on a nearby rock watching his master and Sesshomaru in turn was no more than a few feet to my left watching me intently. All right, I'll ask, I thought ironically as I used my Mr. Spock trick and quirked an eyebrow at him, “Do I have to ask why you aren't doing your normal interstellar orbit of the camp or do you feel like sharing why you have deigned to join our meager company?” I almost laughed out loud and could not help a smile when he mirrored my eyebrow trick with his own.

 

“Jaken retrieved your things from the village and the Miko told him several of the inhabitants had become ill after Byakuya departed. She said you should be watched for signs of fever.” I did giggle at that and I was rewarded with a dire glare. Watching for a fever translates into staring at me closely while I sleep? He just gets creepier every minute I spend with him.

 

“I assure you, Sesshomaru-sama, I'm not ill. I am, however, famished. How far is the village from here?” I asked eagerly standing and busying myself by folding my blankets.

 

“Do you not listen? Jaken retrieved your belongings; there is no need for you to return to the village.” His voice sounded exasperated as he also came to his feet. Wow, he even makes standing up look like dancing, the stray though left me wanting to laugh again, but I managed to refrain as I turned to my work and hid my smile.

 

“Don't be absurd, of course I'm not. The villagers may be used to a lot with Inu-Yasha's apparent blundering and injurious tendencies but even with such a nice lady as Kaede running the place they aren't going to let a freakish mortal like me wonder back in after leading an enormous fire throwing monsters to their door. There is still a good chance, however, that they'll trade me some herbs and poultices, for some supplies and maybe a new kimono before they establish a torch waving mob and run me out of town.” My voice was wistful when I mentioned the cloths, I really wanted something new, but I changed my tone lightheartedly as I envisioned fleeing the axe-wielding horde with my new kimono flying behind me like a flag.

 

“I do not have the time to stop at that village again, you will collect what you must along the way.” Even though I had already decided to continue the journey with them, his cold assumption was infuriating. Arrogant bastard. I looked to the sky thoughtfully. They traveled west and I traveled north and east, so the village must be about two days east and a little south of here. Judging by the sun it should be…I put my thought into action. Pulling my things from Ah-Un's back and setting my mouth in a grim line I turned southeast. I made two steps before he was in front of me. “I am bound to the west.” He crossed his arms over his chest in finality.

 

“And I won't stop you.” I smiled at him, “You're free to do as you please, but I'm going back.” I know I was playing with fire, but I couldn't keep the mocking tone from my voice as I moved to step around him. I was surprised when he stood still and let me pass, but he had one truly low blow still up his empty left sleeve.

 

“You would leave Rin again so soon? Even after you told her how happy you are to be back?” What a truly evil, manipulative son of a bitch! His words hit me like a sucker punch to the conscience as they spun me around to face him and the child clinging pitiably to his side. Rin was struggling to look brave as she bit her lip, attempting to hold back the tears with a contorted smile. My heart and will were broken by that spectacle. I shot him a murderous glower before dropping to my knees, letting my load fall where it would as I held my arms out to her. Oh you vicious creature! The night you hurt me I used her as a shield, and now that I may prove useful to you, you use her as a sword against me.

 

“Hotaru, don't cry.” I said sadly as she rushed into my open arms sobbing.

 

“Donella-sama, please don't leave us.” She wept into my shoulder. “It's not safe.”

 

I hugged her tighter and gently said, “Ah, hush now little darlin', I will live with nothing but fish and a patched kimono if it means I will never have to see you cry again.”

 

She pushed away to stare into my face, her tears evaporating quickly, “Don't worry, Donella-sama, Sesshomaru-dono will protect you too!” Her eager words belied the look of calculation in her eyes as she turned to her master, “Won't you? Sesshomaru-sama?” her voice was hopeful and pleading and I was certain the cunning child's mien echoed it as she stared at her lord. I too looked at him curiously. His eyes had widened as her words. Well, oh prince of the arctic glare, how could you not melt even a little to that? My suspicions regarding his weakness were confirmed when he answered her.

 

“Don't be foolish, Rin, of course I will.” His tone was nonchalant, and he turned as he said it, but I again marveled at the bond between them.

 

“Come on Donella-sama they're going to leave without us!” She giggled as she tugged my arm and Ah-Un, with Jaken on his back, launched himself into the air. Once more I stood and gathered my things to accompany the Inu-Yokai and his vassals upon his unknown quest.

 

We made good time that day, when we stopped for lunch I strapped my belongs back to their customary position on ah-Un's back before we continued on. Soon after that Sesshomaru departed, he did not return until well after nightfall, and by then Jaken, Rin and Ah-Un were fast asleep, but my troubled thoughts would not let me rest.

 

So I occupied myself away from the camp by staring into the night sky and contemplating the waning moon. He announced his presence by dropping a heavy bag in front of me and tossing a rolled bundle of fabric on top of it before sitting next to me. The unexpected movement rattled my frayed nerves and I shot into a sitting position as alarm making my body stiffen. “What the…” I trailed off as the event my eyes had witnessed caught up with my slow cognitive abilities and I turned to him suspiciously. “What is this?” I started again waving at the pile before me.

 

“They are the items you requested. You may pretend to be content with your tattered rags and fish for Rin's sake, but I will not listen to your complaints when the weather turns.” I reached for the rolled fabric cautiously and even in the pale moon light the fine silk fabric glimmered. It was a deep sage with flowers embroidered into its simple design and a russet obi held the bundle closed. This is possible the most beautiful thing I've ever held. I thought in awe as I contemplated my silent companion, “Why would you do this?” I asked my curiosity getting the better of me.

 

“I do not explain myself to ningens.” He responded shortly, but he continued to sit next to me and it caused the spark of curiosity to leap into a flame but I held it back as returned the bundle to its place on the bag of rice and reverted to my original reclining pose. Even sitting he towered over me, but I didn't mind as I joined him in quietly analyzing the night sky. Still creepy, but definitely less scary and I'm beginning enjoy these quiet moments.

 

“You are tracking him, Byakuya I mean. That's why you were at the village.” I stated mildly.

 

“I believe he will lead me to Naraku's heart, though his appearance at the village was unexpected.” I nodded at that and another thought occurred to me.

 

“That's why you are leading us west to keep the others safe, because he's behind us, tracking you from the east.” He didn't respond and so I continued with that thought. “But he can't just be following you or he would never have detoured to the village. I wonder if he was there looking for the girl that travels with your bother, or maybe Inu-Yasha was his intended quarry to begin with…” I trailed off thoughtfully.

 

“Never mention that Hanyou as kin to me again, ningen, he is a mistake.” The anger in his voice and the word Hanyou threw me for a second before I puzzled it out, half-yokai, oh we have some interspecies pettiness going on here, I thought cautiously, no wonder he wants to kill him, he's a bigot. The revelation didn't surprise me, and not understanding everything involved it was hard for me to become angry with the idea, especially since he was so kind to Rin and in light of his unexpected gifts of food and clothing for myself.

 

So I gave a little chuckle and said sarcastically, “Sure thing, boss.” We lapsed back into silence for a few moments before he spoke again.

 

“You are still practicing and maintaining that sword even after it proved useless.” His colorless tone did not hint at his motivations and so blindly I answered him.

 

“We've had this conversation before, just because a weapon wasn't useful in one instance, doesn't mean it won't be in another and that's all I have.” He looked down on me then as he responded.

 

“Do you believe I have no honor; that I would tell Rin you have my protection if I was not sincere?” There was reproach and warning in his tone and I chose my words carefully.

 

“I would never suggest that, I am certain you are a man of honor, but I'm not the fool you believe me to be. You would only feel honor bound to protect me if you did not have to choose between me, and any of our other companions. I won't begrudge them your protection. I would rather you saved them instead, but I'm not going to rest my survival on you uncertain judgment. Your willingness to watch me die at Byakuya's hands will not be soon forgotten, but I can't bring myself to be angry about it anymore either. It's not a decision I would have made, but it was logical and it was yours to make.” My voice echoed the calm determination I felt as I moved to stand reaching for the bag of rice and the kimono I smiled at him. “Thank you very much for these. Despite everything, you have shown be a great deal of unnecessary kindness and…” He interrupted me.

 

“I hesitated at the village because your behavior caught me off guard. I expected you to flee like the rest of the cowardly ningen.” I laughed at that and he gave me a genuine smile that stopped my breath. His eyes light up, I didn't think he could get more handsome. “Considering your pension for reckless and stupid behavior I must confess it should not have surprised me, I still owe you a debt for Rin's life and I deserved your reproach. I assure you though, I will not allow…” Impulsively I knelt at his side and placed my hand over his mouth to interrupt him.

 

His eyes widened a bit in surprise or anger at my action I wasn't sure and I quickly stammered into the silence, “Please, make no vows and assurances to me, I don't want them and they are better spent on more important things. Nor do I wish to hear of debts or obligation between us, I told you before I would have saved Rin without any payment and I do not want any. In your own way you have been kind to me, which is more than I expected and payment enough to cancel any dues that you believe you may owe me.” My hand still rested on his lips and I blushed at the feeling of his breath on my hand. I looked away from his intense gaze and with drew my hand quickly, “I'm sorry, that was presumptuous of me,” I managed around my pounding heart as I gathered the forgotten buddle from the ground and stood. He made no response as I walked back to the campsite, and for once I had managed to leave him bewildered in a field and I smiled at the irony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authors Notes: Yeah this ball is rolling down hill now! Any questions about references know that my time line is loosely based on the manga so Seshou only has one sword and has gone through a lot of stuff, and I personally lost Kohaku along the way, we may have to pick him up… If you need to brush up here's a web site to the abbreviated manga summaries, as per Tootsiepop254 suggestion (please, forgive the spaces it wouldn't let me put it on any other way): <www furinkan. com iycompanion/ manga /index. html> The TV series leaves off at the beginning of manga vol. 36.

 

Wandering Hitokiri and Tootsiepop254: You two are great! Thanks so much! Please, please tell me where I need to edit if you see it…

 

Arvael: I made the parting brief for you but still filled with sorrow, and alas there is still a lot of rough road a head, but the destination will be worth it. :)

 

Feathergriffin:I am counting on you to tell me when my Sesshomaru gets out of line, but I'll be happy to fix his clock of he gets to goopy, and thanks. I think deep, (deep times ten to the 2000th power), deep down, Jaken is a cool.