InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Botanist and the Beast ❯ Chapter 9: Pocky and Pulchritude ( Chapter 9 )

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. The song “Beautiful Disaster” belong to Kelly Clarkson, or whoever owns her and is used here without permission… I sold the Dodge to a junk yard for $100 which I spent on groceries… I'm almost certain no one wants the resulting materials.

 

The Botanist and the Beast

Chapter 9: Pocky and Pulchritude

 

Dear Alice,

Which way you ought to go from here depends a good deal on where you want to get to, and since you don't much care where you get to then it doesn't much matter which way you go. Eventually you will get somewhere if only you walk long enough.

- TheCheshire Cat

 

 

The next morning he shook me awake and as I groggily sat, Sesshomaru took the boa from me and pressed my now clean pan and full water bottle into my hands. Sensing his haste I quickly strapped the pan and water bottle onto the pack and shoved my medicine bag into its depths before standing and following him outside. I didn't get a chance to say anything, as I exited the cavern he held up a silencing hand as a pool of mist formed around his feet, “Sit here and keep your bag strapped to you.” He ordered as he pointed to a patch of mist directly behind his feet. He's the expert. I thought as I quickly followed his direction and I settled in. I felt the ground lurch out from under me and we were airborne.

 

Flying with Sesshomaru is different than flying on Ah-Un's back, for one thing you can see right through the mist and there is nothing to hold onto. I felt very exposed in my seated position, but it was exhilarating and cold. “May I stand? I called over my chattering teeth and without replying he took my freezing hand into his and drew me up. Once standing, his boa came around my shoulder seemingly on it's own accord as his only hand was still holding mine. So warm! I thought, and shivered for reasons other than the cold as the boa and his hand held me close.

 

Looking for a distraction I gazed down at the ground as it whizzed by. A little slower than a plane, I thought, but still crazy cool! I let lose a genuine belly laugh of delight and self-consciously drew both my hands over my mouth to hide it. I was a little disappointed as the action caused him to draw his hand from mine, but the thrill of the adventure quickly banished it. My delight didn't diminish through the day as I alternated from standing at his side and staying warm and kneeling at the edge of the mist as I watched people, animals, yokai and places raced away below us.

 

Sunset found us making a lazy descent to an open field and my empty stomach protesting the day's lack of food. Yet to the perplexity of my companion, my cheeks were still flushed and I was still practically vibrating from the thrill of air travel and not even my hunger could diminish my childish delight. I had spent the whole day in laughing, foolish, wonder but the trip really had taken its toll. As the mist dissolved around us I made a concerted effort to reign myself in and locate my politesse. “Is it safe for me to go foraging?” I was glad that my voice sounded as composed as I had hoped.

 

“In a moment it will be” His answer was directed to me but his eyes were focused on a group emerging from the forest on the far side of the pasture. As they approached I could make out a girl in a modern school uniform pushing a bicycle with a kitsune in the basket, a large yokai cat, a monk, a woman carrying a giant boomerang and a white haired boy in the most vivid red kimono I had ever seen. Moments later I noticed the boy had small dog-ears and I realized who he and the girl had to be, Kagome, Inu-Yasha, and their companions.

 

The other names escaped me as I struggled to remember what Kaede had said about them, `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 too possesses immense spiritual power and uses it to this day to rid this world of a great evil' `Inu-Yasha's elder brother is not a kind man, and has tried to kill them all on several occasions. He cannot encounter his brother without being goaded into a fight, yet because of the apposing magic of their father's swords, they cannot kill each other.' At that moment Inu-Yasha yelled a rude taunt in the direction of my waiting companion and Sesshomaru rushed forward to meet him. Oh, this isn't good.

 

Kagome and the others quickly moved up the hill as the brothers engaged each other. I followed their lead and was soon standing next to the Kagome's bicycle as the four observed me suspiciously. “Um, are you Kagome?” I asked.

 

She eagerly blurted out, “You speak English,” In heavily accented English of her own.

 

I smile happily at her, “I don't know if you've had a chance to talk to Kaede yet, but I'm Donella O'Conghaile, from America, I kind of landed here last year and I'm stuck.”

 

Kagome nodded eagerly and the girl with the boomerang broke in, “We spoke to Kaede just a few days past, and she said you weren't able to get back through the Boneater's Well. It must be terrible for you to be so far from your family.”

 

By this time the Monk had reached my side eagerly took my hand in his own. “Kaede failed to mention that her visitor was a vision of such loveliness, however, what amazing eyes you have, miss. I was wondering if you would do me the honor…” before he could finish the girl with the boomerang struck him soundly on the head.

 

“Geez Miroku can't you stop for a second?” the Kitsune asked in annoyance. Shippo, Sango and Miroku, finally remembering names I smiled, but my triumph was short lived as an electric crash shook the earth behind me and drew my attention back to the fight. Deep furrows in the earth extended from Inu-Yasha's lowered sword to his seemingly unscathed brother about twenty feet away.

 

“This doesn't look good.” Kagome's worried voice made me look her way as the others just nodded their agreement.

 

“How do these fights usually end?” I asked returning my gaze to the battle before us, Miroku answered.

 

“Usually something more dangerous appears or Sesshomaru decides it's a waste of time and leaves.”

 

“But how we get them to stop without either of those things happening? I really need to actually have a conversation with Kagome and I don't particularly want Sesshomaru to get injured...” Sesshomaru charged forward a glowing green whip appeared from the tip of his fingers and lashed toward Inu-Yasha who tried to deflect it, but his arm was sliced open anyway and blood spurted out.

 

“I can always make Inu-Yasha sit, but I don't know how to stop Sesshomaru.” Kagome answered worriedly. If only I could do that shield thing again. I thought anxiously and a eerie feeling in the pit of my stomach answered as I saw Inu-Yasha's sword glow and I knew instinctively he was going to use that electrical attack again. Thoughtlessly I ran down the hill at a breakneck pace and flung myself between the brothers just as the attack was unleashed. I don't want anyone to get hurt here! I cried in my mind as I put the anxiety and worry I was feeling at the moment, into that one focused idea. “STOP IT YOU IDIOTS THIS IS POINTLESS!” I yelled at them as the attack reached me.

 

And now I die? I asked as static electricity sent my hair and cloths flying madly as the lightning ripped over my shield and lashed back at both of the siblings wrapping them in glowing strands of light. Drained by the effort I collapsed to the ground as the bonds around the brothers faded and the others rushed towards me. Screaming worry about my well-being.

 

Two black shoes and the white billow of Sesshomaru's hakama greeted my eyes as I slowly opened them and tried to raise myself up. “Baka, ningen, you interfere to much in things that are none of your concern. This is unforgivable.” He growled and the others moved back from us.

 

“Leave her be, Sesshomaru,” Inu-Yasha growled from behind me as I pushed myself shakily to my feet to face the wrath of the Daiyoukai before me, but instead I turned my back to him and raged at the Hanyou.

 

“You must have shit for brains! Are you really that fucking stupid? Did it ever occur to you to use the gray matter between your ears before starting an incredibly worthless fight? Next time you open your mouth just bite your tongue instead, it would serve you better and the rest of the world would be spared your ignorant prattle!” My fist came up on its own accord and slammed into his stunned and exposed face. I felt his nose crunch on the impact and he fell backwards, but no one moved to stop me and I continued emphasizing my words with kicks and stomps to his groin and ribs.

 

“From what I've seen and heard, so far, you are nothing more than a testosterone driven mouth with a sword that's far more powerful than any over grown monkey like you should have. I don't need you defending me against him,” I shoved an angry thumb in Sesshomaru's general direction, “anymore than I need his inane diatribe about my interference in things that he thinks aren't any of my business. My only concern is that if he kills you then Kagome is never going to send a letter to my family. So if one more imbecilic word passes from your lips to set him off, and ruin that chance, I will personally kick all your teeth in myself, AM I CLEAR?” I emphasized each of the last three words with forceful kicks to the ribs as Kagome finally came over and took my hands in hers.

 

“Donella-chan are you alright?” she asked worriedly and the wounded hanyou on the ground let out a protest.

 

“Is she all right what about me?”

 

Kagome muttered a hasty, “Inuyasha, sit boy.” That sent the grumbling, bleeding mess into the earth as she lead me back up the hill murmuring soothing words. Sesshomaru followed us in silence as the others helped Inu-Yasha to his feet with friendly taunts and jeers.

 

“Donella-chan how did you do that thing with Inuyasha's Kaze no Kizu?” Kagome asked as I sat wearily down next to my pack.

 

“Honestly, I have no clue, I just sort of knew how.” Instead of rebuking me the girl nodded in understanding.

 

“Sometimes I can erect a barrier, but it's the same thing. I can't actually control, it I just have to really want it, but most of the time even that doesn't work.” She smiled at me reassuringly. “It always makes me really hungry and tired afterwards though, have you eaten?”

 

I gave her a weak smile, “Yesterday morning.”

 

By this time all but a sulky Inu-Yasha had joined us and Shippo exclaimed. “Well you're in luck then! Kagome brought ninja food and ramen from here time, it's wonderful!” He exclaim smacking his lips and rubbing his hand eagerly.

 

I leaned over to Kagome and whispered, “Ninja Food?”

 

She gave me a sheepish smile. “Mostly potato chips and crackers.”

 

I nodded knowingly, “I thinks ramen sounds awesome.” I declared as the whole group went about preparing their camp and eyeing Sesshomaru warily, Inu-Yasha had placed himself in the branches of a tree several feet away; pretending to ignore the whole scene. Wow, awkward!

 

“I'm really sorry about my outburst earlier, it's been a really long year and I find that I loose my temper a lot more often since I fell down that hole…” I trailed off mumbling my apologies as Kagome flung her arms around my neck in a crushing hug.

 

Pulling back she said, “Don't worry about it, I beat him up worse than that on a regular basis, he's just pouting.”

 

“Yeah, Inuyasha can really be a big baby sometimes.” Shippo remarked scornfully and the others chimed in to reassure me. Maybe because I was listening for it, I heard a short grunt from Sesshomaru.

 

“Be that as it may, I don't want to impose and we really need to get back to Rin and Jaken as soon as possible. So, um, Kagome would you please take a letter back and mail it to my brother for me?” I looked at her with eager hope and she immediately beamed.

 

“Absolutely! I have my school notebook if you need paper and lots of pencils.” She proclaimed as she dove for the enormous backpack and I smiled.

 

“No I have the letter already written right here.” I said pulling the battered folds of paper from my pack and handing them to her. “I wrote it last winter, mainly out of boredom since I didn't know if I'd ever get back or have a chance to send it. Thought maybe an archeologist or something would find it like in, `Timeline',” I giggled at the ludicrous idea, “My brother Matt's address is on the first page.” I was blushing by the time I finished my explanation but Kagome laughed.

 

“I loved that movie! I sometimes think about it when I'm back here.” I couldn't help but return her infections grin as I stood.

 

“Well that's really everything I needed, thank you so much and it was a pleasure meeting all of you.” I bowed to them formally as I turned, but Kagome grabbed my sleeve.

 

“Please, wait, if you've been here a year I bet there are some things you'll want.” She went to her yellow pack again and quickly returned with some antibiotic ointment, a cup-o-noodle, a box of chocolate Pocky, a wrapped toothbrush, toothpaste, a purple click pen and a pink hello kitty diary. “I was hoping we'd meet, I've been thinking about giving these things to you since Kaeda told us your story.” She smiled shyly as I took them from her, “Tell Rin I said hi, ok, I really like her.”

 

I gave the girl an impulsive hug of gratitude before clutching my prizes close, “Thank you so much! I could never repay you enough for this.”

 

“No problem, and if there's anything you want, I'll bring it back next time and carry it with me, we sometime run into Rin and the others.”

 

I gave it some thought, “Maybe just some coffee, I really miss coffee. I'll even take instant at this point and praise it as ambrosia.” She laughed.

 

“Done then. Take care of yourself.” Said it to me, but she was glaring at Sesshomaru.

 

“You too.” I replied with feeling as I shouldered my pack, they all came close and made their farewells, and I distinctly felt the monk grab my butt before Sango struck him again. Sesshomaru was already halfway down the hill, by the time I had parted from them and I hurried to catch up. I had just reached his side as Sango came rushing towards us.

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, would you please tell my brother that I would like to see him sometime soon, and that I miss him?” She huffed. For an instant I thought I saw a sad frown crease his immaculate features.

 

“I am unable to do so. Kohaku returned to his father's home in the yokai taijiya village over a year ago, you should seek him there.” Having said his piece Sesshomaru continued his forward motion.

 

I was the only one to see the girl give him a reverent bow, but I'm certain he heard her, “Domo arigato gozaimashita, Sesshomaru-sama,” as I rushed again to catch up in the dimming light. What an incredibly odd group; fun, noisy, and very, very odd. I hugged my new treasures close I really like all of them…

 

We walked into the woods for several minutes before the deepening gloom caused me to stumble. I sat down where I had tripped and began digging a fire pit, not caring if Sesshomaru kept walking until dooms day or not. I was exhausted, starving and done. He's still angry. I thought despondently as I began collecting fallen leaves and branches from the immediate vicinity and finally started a fire. The glow revealed Sesshomaru several feet away propped against a tree, silently considering me.

 

Well I've ignored his high and mighty pissiness this long. I might as well enjoy the silence before the roaring and threats start. So I put some water on to boil, and took my Poe books from my pack. I paused in my reading to make my cup-o-soup, and I eagerly and noisily slurped the noodles for lack of chopsticks or a fork before putting the paper cup in the fire and returning to my story. I was halfway through `Some Words with a Mummy' when he finally broke the silence, but not as I'd expected.

 

“What is a mooveee?” And way out from left field…

 

“It's like kabuki, only more realistic.” I replied softly, If he's not going to be pissy I may as well try to be nice if for no other reason than to keep the peace for as long as possible. Has Kabuki been invented yet? Apparently it or something like it had because he didn't press the issue and silence reigned again.

 

I took my box of Pocky out and could not silence my, “MMmmm,” of delight as the sweet chocolate melted into my mouth, “Oh, how I've missed chocolate!” I remarked retorically as I quickly ate another; greedily I reached for a third but stopped myself. Rin and Jaken will love these, and I really shouldn't devour them all in one sitting like a spoiled child. I wonder… I looked up from the box to Sesshomaru thoughtfully. He was watching me but languorously turned his head away into the darkness as I looked up. Yeah sure, watching me act like a freak is far more interesting than watching the wind in the trees. With a sigh I stood and crossed the no man's land between us. Pulling a piece of Pocky from the box I offered it to him, “Here, these really are too rare a treat for me not to share.”

 

“I do not eat ningen food.” He scoffed, but I smiled at his rebuke and the evil glare he gave the chocolate covered treat in my hand.

 

“This isn't really considered food, it's a candy and it's not meant to be consumed frequently.” I made an intelligible sound of exasperation at his impassive look, “Please, I swear, you've already seen me eat two, they aren't poison. There's nothing to be afraid of.” He snatched the Pocky from my hand before I'd finished the sentence.

 

“This Sesshomaru fears nothing.” He declared before cramming the treat into his mouth. I fought my smile of triumph. Score one to me for the masterful blow to the ego. As he chewed I saw his eyes widen a little.

 

“Well, was it awful?”

 

“It was quite good.” He responded frostily, and I grinned.

 

“Cool, here have another before I wrap them up, I think when we finally make it back, Rin and Jaken they'll need a treat.” I remarked cheerily as I pressed another into his hand before curling up with my pack by the fire. As I stared into the night I sang, `Ghost of a Rose', before drifting off to sleep.

 

I'm not sure what alerted me the next morning, but my eyes flew open as he knelt to shake me awake. I sat bolt up right next to his kneeling form and urgently scanned the forest around me as my heart slammed in my chest. A deep feeling of unease had settled into my entire being and I couldn't shake the sensation that a malevolent being was looking for me. Then the early dawn light illuminated a small yellow ball floating our way and every instinct in me screamed, It hasn't seen you, HIDE, NOW! Following it I whispered, “Quickly we need to hide.” Before scrambling for the cover of some nearby shrubs. I didn't think he would follow my erratic behavior, but wordlessly he moved to my side in the small hiding place with more grace and speed that I had managed. From the cover of the bushes I watched the globe come closer and realized it was a floating eyeball.

 

“It belongs to Byakuya, he's looking for the others, but if it sees us, or it's destroyed he will know immediately.” I whispered, not understanding where my knowledge came from but trusting it to be true. The eye passed by us hastily, and the feeling of panic receded with it. I stood and brushed leaves and dirt from my kimono. I went to my pack, but hit my head against the chest plate of Sesshomaru's armor instead. “Owe, what the hell! I thought you'd stopped doing that.” I cried grumpily as I rubbed the sore spot of my forehead.

 

“How did you know about the eye?” He asked me, his voice was all cold suspicion and his face was dangerous mask of anger.

 

I shrugged, “I really don't know.”

 

“Ningen, I will know if you are working with Naraku, tell me how you knew that creature was sent from Byakuya.” His hand gripped my shoulder painfully and I glared up at him in with murderous fury.

 

“How did I make the barrier yesterday? Or when Byakuya attacked me at the village? How did you create that mist? What was the glowing ball of light that transported us all the way across Japan to begin with? How do you keep your hair so shiny? All questions I don't have answers to, Sesshomaru-sama, and none of them reasons for you to be angry or suspicious of me. If I was really one of your enemies I would have done something to Rin and Jaken a year ago and not consented to follow you around aimlessly all over creation.” I forcefully pulled my arm from his grip ignoring the painful scratches that his claws gouged into my arm. “You are absolutely amazing, I have tried to leave you more than once and have done everything in my power to keep you and everyone associated with you in good spirits and health and after all this time some absurd mystical knowledge pops into my head and you are eager to call me enemy? I am no ally of Naraku's but I don't think I wish to be one of yours any longer either.” I pushed past him roughly and flinging my backpack on my shoulders I hastily marched into the woods, furry fueling my flight to anywhere away from him.

 

He caught up to me easily and was again standing in my path. Tears of hurt and rage were threatening to spill from my eyes and my voice was empty and dead as I said, “You are hail, and healthy, go to Rin and Jaken and leave me in peace. I can no longer stand the sight of you.” I couldn't look at up as I moved past him once more and this time he didn't follow me. I marched the whole day and into the night not bothering to make camp when my legs were to tired to carry me. I just fell into an exhausted sleep next to my pack on the ground.

 

The next morning I gathered some berries and ate them on the go as I continued my directionless trek. My anger had receded, and I missed Rin, Jaken and Ah-Un terribly but Sesshomaru's aura had been gone for almost an entire day, and I still couldn't bear to spend another minute alone with him. I won't deny that I care about him too, his attitude and abrasive ways have grown on me, but if he can't find it in him to trust me after all this time then I'm better off on my own. Yet the more distance I put between where I left him and myself, the more his memory haunted me. His scent, the feel of his arm around my shoulder, his hand in mine, his body pressed against me as we trudged, his voice against my back when I fell, his chuckle, His cold glacial stare, his elusive smile… I saw them all as I walked and I felt like I had just left a friend's funeral.

 

In a blue funk I trudged on, stopping briefly to pick some berries along the way and relieve myself I made my gloomy way west. As the sun began to set I thought, He should have reached Rin and Jaken today. God, let them be ok now. It was the closest I'd come to a prayer since I'd come to this curious and bizarre world and as I curled up next to my fire I thought, I wish I had that stupid boa now. It was absurd, but it made me cry myself to sleep.

 

The next two days ran together. As I unenthusiastically made camp that night I thought I felt his aura close. I had, had many such lonely; hope induced hallucinations in my prolonged solitude and I ignored it as I settled down to my fire. Staring into the depths I found myself singing for the first time in my four days alone. Perversely the first song to come to my lips was `Beautiful Disaster' and as I finished I burst into painful broken sobs.

 

An icy voice spoke from the nearby darkness, “You deceived me twice, ningen.” Cold, unfeeling and utterly familiar his voice washed over me and stopped my tears as if they'd been frozen. I stared wordlessly into the darkness where the sound had emanated.

 

“How so?” I asked in a hoarse whisper.

 

“Once when you told me you did not know the words to that tune, and again when you led me to believe the lyrics were of an unsavory nature. They are nothing of the sort.” He remarked as he stepped smoothly into the glow of the firelight. He was a vision of arctic beauty against the dark night, the ghost that had hounded my every waking breath for four days.

 

“All right, I admit to my pettiness. Now would you explain why you are here? Or better yet just leave.” I let the hurt and anger I still felt color my voice as I turned way from him to stare at the fire and hug my legs closer to me in my misery.

 

“If it were up to me, I would abandon you to your folly in an instant, yet Rin and Jaken will give me no peace on the matter. It seems they believe I have a duty to protect you.” His voice had come closer and I knew he was standing less than a foot from me, but I refused to look up.

 

“Sounds like you have a problem. You should go back to them and deal with it. I was enjoying my peace.” I replied scornfully.

 

“So those were tears of joy you I saw you shedding a moment ago, ningen?” his breath was warm against my ear as he whispered the rebuke into it and I jumped away from the intimate contact like someone burned.

 

My heart pounding I scrambled to my feet and whirled on him, “You threaten me, wound me, insult, annoy and rebuke me and now you must haunt me and upset me as well? I have told you before that I am tired of your games. I've withstood all I can for love of Rin, Jaken and Ah-Un but between you and Byakuya I am finished. I'm nothing more than a mortal woman and do not have the wherewithal to take anymore abuse you yokai freaks have to throw my way.”

 

He moved near me and expecting his usual physical rebuke I stood my ground and glared angrily into his eyes. “I have misjudged you, ningen, on many occasions. You have been quick to point out my folly in this, and you are right to do so.” He was inches from me and when his hand came out I expected it to circle my neck, but instead it slowly brushed my stray hair from my eyes as he looked down into my face thoughtfully. “I owe you an apology for my reaction a few days past, you are no enemy of mine, and if you were, I would surly be in dire peril.” A small smirk curved his lips, as his hand came to rest on my wounded shoulder, “You have shown more fortitude, courage and strength than any, ningen I have ever encountered. You are intelligent, yet not wise and you continue to surprise me at every turn. I am unaccustomed to asking anything from anyone. However, I am in your debt twice over and I will therefore ask your forgiveness for the slight I have done you, and request that you return to the others with me so that we may continue our journey.”

 

I shook my head in wonder as I took a step back; his hand slid from my shoulder at my retreat and fell limply to his side. “I think I'm the one that needs to apologize, Sesshomaru-sama, Jaken and Rin must be driving you to truly desperate ends if you are willing to use such flowery coercion to expedite my return.”

 

“Indeed.” He responded coolly. With a heavy sigh I went to the fire and pouring the contents of my water bottle on it I picked up my pack and turned to him in the pale moonlight. He was a radiant silver prince in the shimmering glow, This is truly the light that suites him best.

 

“ I believe that whatever retribution you deserve for the insult you gave me has been repaid twice over by the misery Rin and Jaken have doled out to you in my absence. So unless you are fatigued I suggest we leave, I don't relish the idea of another night without a blanket in this chilling weather.” My satirical remark was greeted with a shimmering mist around his feet and I realized that we would not be walking to the others. Hastily I stepped to his side as we rose into the evening sky.

 

Flying at night was even more magical that flying by day. Among the stars with the moon to illuminate the world it was a shimmering paradise and Sesshomaru was a radiant seraph that belong there. I couldn't deny to myself that I was elated to be with him again God, I'm really am an idiot, I thought ruefully. Damn it's really cold up here! I shivered from the freezing wind and his boa again twisted around me on it's own accord. Even the creepy self-propelled furry snake is comforting; I let a small smile touch my lips and gazed contentedly down at the silvery world as it rushed bellow us.

 

It was still evening when we alighted in the courtyard of a towering manor house. As I stepped form the quickly dissolving mist the boa slid from my shoulders and regained its position on its master's shoulder. I made two solitary steps onto the flagstones before a joyous Rin flung herself into my arms babbling a mile a minute. Jaken was directly behind her expressing his exultation in a barrage of crabby grousing and censures and my ears began to ring from the chatter. “Enough! If you two don't calm down this second I'm going back to the serenity of the woods!” The threat was issued at the top of my voice, but I was smiling broadly and they quieted as I let them each to take my hands and lead me inside.

 

Sesshomaru trailed the mobile festival into a warm room containing a sumptuous bed with elegant hanging curtains, and a table laden heavily with rice, broiled fish, pudding, melons and plums. I smiled warmly and said, “My it's a veritable feast! Who should I thank for this, Rin?” Rin blushed but quickly answered.

 

“Rin caught the fish, but Jaken-sama helped get the fruit and gather the herbs so we could cook the food just like you showed me. Do you really like it?”

 

I raised a teasing eyebrow, “You were so sure of your master's success you went to all this trouble before you knew if I would actually agree to come back?”

 

Rin's face fell and Jaken took up the defensive, “Of course Sesshomaru-sama would not fail to bring you back, Donella-sama, this is where you belong after all, with us!” I felt a swell of emotion clog my throat into uselessness as I knelt and pulled them both into a crushing group hug.

 

I could not hold back a few tears of real joy as I mumbled foolishly, “All right, you win, I swear I will never leave either one of you again.”

 

The sappy reunion was cut short by a calculating voice behind us, “Your food is rapidly cooling; I doubt it tastes the same cold.”

 

Rin jumped eagerly away at that, “Sesshomaru-sama is right! You must be very hungry Donella-sama please come eat with us!” I wasn't given much of a choice as she took my hand and began to drag me towards the table. I didn't have to look to know that Sesshomaru had left; I felt him go and I was irrationally sadden by it.

 

Fighting the momentary melancholy I smiled at Rin and asked, “So, tell me what happened after you left me.” The tale was long in the telling and apparently they had stayed around for most of my fight with the mushi, and later returned to find my sword in the monster's throat. It was Rin who decided that since there was no body I must have gone somewhere with Sesshomaru. She had spent her energy reassuring Jaken of this, since he was just as convinced the creature had devoured me whole.

 

He seemed very impressed by my actions before and during the battle, and his sycophantic deference to my heroic skill and sacrifice was beginning to grate on my nerves. I may have to beat that out of him. If I let it go it might get as bad as his compulsive obsequiousness towards Sesshomaru. The idea of the rude little toad following me around and declaring everything I did amazing and perfect made me shudder with repulsion. Definitely a severe beating if it doesn't clear up in a weak. Yet in all it was good to be back and when I visited Ah-Un later that night even the dragon gave me happy nuzzles with both his heads, as they made contented crooning noises.

 

I found that the room we had, had dinner in was intended to be mine, and according to Jaken it was the second best in the entire manor. Meaning I have the lady's room and Sesshomaru has the lord's. How very ironic. I thought as I settled into the fluffy bed for some much needed rest. It didn't take long for the lavish blankets and soft futon to work their magic. As I drifted to sleep I dreamily thought, I hope we stay here a while, it's so nice to be warm and comfortable for a change. I wonder where the bath is.

 

 

Author's Notes: HEHE Two chapters in two days hopefully the increased volume has no diminished the quality. And I'm sorry for saying Inuyasha shows in chapter 8 when I meant 9, someone told me I had to make it longer! (You know who you are) ;)

 

A note on the name: I use Inuyasha when his friends talk about him and Inu-Yasha when Donella writes because the second would be a literal translation for any English speaker and I think his friends would run it together due to excessive use hence, Inuyasha, like when sub title people write it. If it's too confusing I can make it go away though. :)

 

Some translation:

Kaze no Kizu: wind scar

Domo arigato gozaimashita: Very formal `Thank you very much' addressed to someone of higher social standing.

 

Thanks to:

Tootsiepop254: For all of your cheerfulness, eager excitement and especially for listening while I ranted about my job, burns and life in general! You are the tops, you Evil Genius you!

 

Feathergriffin: Yay, thanks so much! Your tongue-tied praise lifted my day!

 

Arvael:Your enthusiasm keeps me going thanks for your positive remarks and exuberance!

 

WanderingHitokiri:I hope that I can keep you laughing, that means I wrote it right! Thanks so much!

 

Black Angel of Envy:I hope my description of Donella fit what you had in mind, I wrote that part in for you! Thanks for making me think about what she looks like! ^ ^

 

And to all those who are reading and not leaving reviews, I hope you're enjoying it!

<@:D