InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Botanist and the Beast ❯ Chapter 10: Sick as a Dog ( Chapter 10 )

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, they are 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 10: Sick as a Dog

Dear Alice,

Be what you would seem to be, or if you'd like it put more simply: Never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might appear to others that what you were or might have been was not otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be otherwise.

-The Duchess

 

 

As it turned out, we spent a week at the manor, but only because I became seriously ill. The scratches Sesshomaru had left on my arm, while not severe, had gone unattended during my melancholy and became infected. When Rin came to help me pack for our journey that morning she found me desperately applying antibiotic ointment to the swollen and discolored wounds and delirious with a dangerously high fever. It wasn't long before everyone had been alerted and I was forced back to my bed. I don't remember much of my convalescence. I was forced to drink several cups of some awful tasting tea, Rin brought me flowers and sang to me, Jaken whined a lot, and through out it all the constant presence of Sesshomaru.

 

When I finally came to my senses and opened my eyes it was to a pitch-black room that was as silent as a tomb. Late, past midnight, My internal clock told me and I struggled to sit. A pale hand shot out from the darkness near my pillow and pushed me pack down onto the bed. I gasped in surprise and struggled against the restraint weakly.

 

“Who the hell are you?” I demanded in a weary rage.

 

“Donella-san, you should be resting, you are ill.” I stopped struggling at the sound of Sesshomaru's impassive voice That's the first time he's said my name. It sounds nice. The unreasonable thought was banished from my mind as quickly as it had come.

 

“I believe the appropriate form of address is, ningen, Sesshomaru-sama. We are not yet on affable enough terms for you to address me by my proper name.” My voice was weak and scratchy from dehydration, but I still managed to make it sound haughty. He made a wordless noise as he withdrew his hand into the darkness, “The illness is past.” I remarked as I finally succeeded in wrestling myself into a sitting position. He remained unmoving in the darkness, and silent.

 

Intent on water I carefully I pushed myself to the edge of the bed, the action seemed to take me an exhausting eternity but I finally accomplished it. After a short rest, and using the bedpost for support I managed to stand shakily at its foot. I must look like a real fool to him right now; to hell with him anyway he shouldn't be here in the first place. The indignant irritation fueled me and I moved from the support of the bed to the open room intent on reaching the table near the fire where the water jug rested.

 

Even though the room was incredibly warm the temperature difference from the heavily blanketed bed and open air made me shiver a little in my flimsy yukata. The involuntary action almost cost me my fragile balance and I stumbled, but my pride wouldn't allow me to fall with Sesshomaru watching. Doggedly I stumbled forward. It took me an eternity to reached the table and when I did, I fell against it, grateful for the support. After a restful, panting moment, I managed to slump into the adjacent chair.

 

I was drained from my exertion and sat breathing heavily for a time before I reached for the jug and gulped it's contents dry. That cost me too much. I think I'll just live in this chair forever; the bed is far too remote a destination to return to. Yep, forget about the bed, this chair is quite comfy. I think I'll spend the next two hundred years right here. Mind made up, I drift off to sleep again, but that pesky dog in the corner wouldn't let me be.

 

“Baka, ningen. You have over exerting yourself.” The words reached me slowly through a film of exhaustion, but the impossibly strong arm that inserted itself just above me knees, jolted me awake.

 

“What the hell do you think you're doing?” I exclaimed as he quickly positioned my back to rest against his shoulder and deftly lifted me from the chair. Like a baby cradled in its father's arms he carried me back to the bed, Yeah if I was adopted and my father was a grizzly bear. Crazy that he can do that so easily with only one arm, God I'm tired. He smells good. My thoughts ran together in exhausted incoherency but that didn't stop my weak protests or even feebler blows to his chest with my fist. “Put me down I wanted to be in the chair! You great, over grown lummox! You can't just bully me like this...” He continued to ignore my ranting as he placed me back onto the bed and threw the blankets over me.

 

It took me a few seconds of struggling before I managed to pull the muffling comforter from my head, and by then my energy and rage had almost completely abandoned me. Panting from my exertion I remarked with weak skepticism, “This is payback isn't it?”

 

“If you wish to believe me that vindictive, then you are free to do so.” He was seated again in the chair at my bedside and his detached response from the darkness irked me.

 

“If I wasn't so damn tired, I would have a few disrespectful things to say to you, but as it is, I can't bring myself to waste the time or energy to think them up right now.” I mumbled as my eyes drifted shut and I felt sleep dragging me down. Wait, I was going to order him to leave… I thought to the ghost of slumber, but it paid me no mind as it carried me away.

 

When next I woke it was early afternoon and Rin was sitting next to me on the bed watching me attentively and he was gone. “Donella-sama! Your fever is gone and you are awake! Rin is so happy. Do you need help to the chamber pot again? I got you some water. How are you feeling? Jaken-sama and Sesshomaru-sama were really worried about you. Jaken-sama cried and cried thinking you were going to die and Sesshomaru-sama barely ever left your bedside. He made Rin your nurse though, and I helped you use the chamber pot, and made willow tea and got you water when you were thirsty.” She made a funny scowling face, “Rin also made you fish broth, but it didn't smell as good as yours and you didn't really want to eat it, but I could make you some more if you'd like some, or rice if your hungry…” I help up a weak hand to fend off the barrage of words and she immediately clutched it tightly with both of hers, “What is it? Aren't you all right, Donella-sama?” She cried in alarm.

 

I gave her an insubstantial smile, “I'm weak, Hotaru, but I will surely live, thanks to your diligent ministrations.” I gave her hands a feeble squeeze.

 

“She giggled brightly and blushed, “I think someday, Rin would like to be a healer and know a lot about herbs like you Donella-sama. That way if you or Jaken-sama or Ah-Un gets ill, Rin can help them get better.”

 

I smiled again, “You are well on your way, my dear. So far you have managed to help both Jaken-sama and I.” I looked at her thoughtfully, “I believe I will try to get a bit more rest and let my body catch up to my brain,” A yawn escaped me and she giggled, “But if you would cook some rice and wake me when it is done I would be very grateful.”

 

She clapped her hands together, “Sure thing Boss!” she declared in an imitation of my own sardonic manner as she bounded off the bed and flew from the room. I really love that kid, I thought as I slipped off to sleep with a fond smile.

 

Jaken was the next to wake me. A teary-eyed look on his face, steaming bowl of rise in his hands and a fractious looking Rin behind him, “Oh Donella-sama I am so glad you are well, I had forgotten that you are just a frail, ningen, I don't know what Rin would do if you died, she was beside herself with worry…”

 

“Jaken, what have you done to make Rin angry with you?” I interjected quickly to save myself from his unending diatribe. The little toad looked sheepish but immediately jumped to the defensive.

 

“The little runt wouldn't allow me to show her how to make rice properly…” He clutched the bowl in self-righteously indignation. I held up a silencing hand.

 

“How did you two ever manage to get along without me? Jaken, you are older and supposedly wiser than she is, maltreatment is not the way to rectify someone's behavior.” It's like I never left, I even missed their squabbling, I sighed, “The rice smell delicious, both of you.” I pushed myself into a sitting position and gave them an encouraging smile, “It would be a shame for me to die of starvation right after killing a mushi and combating a fever. Do you intend on letting me eat it, Jaken, or am I to gain my sustenance my staring at it longingly?”

 

The kappa blinked stupidly before shoving the bowl into my hands, “Yes of course you must be very hungry, are you cold? I could bring you more blankets…” I kindly placed my hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

 

“Jaken, I'm going to live, please stop worrying.” I ate a few mouthfuls of the rice before my empty stomach began to protest the sudden influx of food and I handed the still full bowl to Jaken and said, “It was very good, but I will have to eat more later, it would not do me any good to eat myself sick.”

 

Rin eagerly hopped onto the bed and settled in at my side, “Donella-sama, will you have to be in bed a very long time like Rin was when her stomach got hurt?” With such an obviously ridiculous question I waited a moment for Jaken to jump in and brow beat her for being silly, and I was surprised when he didn't. He's usually all over stuff like that with a `Rin don't be foolish', but then maybe he doesn't know how long it takes human's to heal and a belly wound and an infected cut could all be the same to him… I smiled at Rin, “I wasn't hurt nearly as bad as you were, Hotaru, it was just a silly infection. If I get a lot of rest today, I should be able to move around a little tomorrow, and be ready to travel in the next two or three days.” I kept the look on my face encouraging and she beamed back at me.

 

“Well then, Jaken-sama and I will make sure you aren't bothered anymore, so you can get lost of rest!” she declared leaping from the bed, and turning gave a deep bow, “sleep well Donella-sama,” The adult pose was spoiled by her giggling as she grabbed a handful of Jaken's kimono and dragged him protesting from the room. Peace at last. I smiled to myself as I closed my eyes intent on more sleep, but though my body was tired, my mind would not let me rest as it puzzled over the past two weeks. Like a child picking at a scabbed knee, I couldn't let the sore spot in my heart be.

 

Why does his continued mistrust surprise me so much? Sesshomaru. He spends so little time interacting with us, but he is the center of this whole crazy band. What did he hope to gain by all that flattery? `You are no enemy of mine, and if you were, I would surly be in dire peril,' in dire peril of what? An image of him standing tall and proud in glowing moonlight came quickly to my mind and I sighed, God! He's gorgeous, but he's also creepy, self-centered, wholly self-serving, and a complete waste of my time. All of which out weighs physical beauty by a mother load, I was quick to remind myself, but once conjured the vision of him wouldn't fade.

 

`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.' How dare he think that pretty words would win me! I swear he said all that just to make me go crazy thinking it all out. Manipulative, twofaced, bastard! Why did I let him win so easily? Why did I let his flowery words sway me? I should have kicked him in the nards… Eventually I managed to drift off to sleep, as I mentally yelled curses and threw fish heads and the fabricated apparition of my angst.

 

The next morning I awoke with more energy, a ravenous appetite and a desperate need for a bath. Leaving my bed I found that my legs were still weak from the illness, but they held my weight as I searched the room for my cloths and bath things. I found my kimono and obi hung neatly on a peg by the door. They smelled freshly of my soap and I wondered who had laundered them during my illness. God knows after four days in the woods without a bath it smelled none to fresh when I arrived here. Speaking of none to fresh. I returned to my now urgent mission as I gathered my medicine bag from the hearth, my kimono and obi from the peg and ventured out into the hallway in search of a bath.

 

As I let the sound of running water be my guide I was grateful that they had chosen the ladies room for me, the bath was only a few doors away and easy to find. I quickly stripped my dirty yukata off, and using nearby buckets, I scrubbed the worst of the funk from my body before stepping into the heavenly delight of the bath. Idly I examined my now healing wounds. The claw marks Sesshomaru had left on my shoulder were still angry wheels, but the reddened, scabbing skin showed no sign of further infection and were shallow enough not to cause any permanent damage, but they will leave scars as these others will. The burn in my thigh was now nothing more than tender healing skin. I couldn't see the cuts the fight with the mushi had left on my shoulder, but my exploring fingers felt that it too was nearly healed.

 

I soaked in the steaming bath for a long time before scrubbing and soaking again. My skin and scalp were raw with my efforts but I felt more refreshed by the time my empty stomach drove me to dress. As I tied my obi securely a stray thought occurred to occupy my mind as I searched for the kitchen, who in the world undressed me and put me in the yukata? I searched my foggy fever damaged memory for the answer, but was still clueless when I finally discovered the kitchen as well as Rin and Jaken.

 

“Donella-sama you're up!” The little girl cheered as she threw herself into my arms forcing me to drop my bag and catch her. The impact caused me to lose my balance and I tumbled to the floor, child and all. Jaken immediately began reprimanding Rin for her stupid exuberance and his acidic words brought her near tears.

 

Laughing I gave her a rough squeeze, “Both of you, I'm no porcelain doll, I just fell down. Rin's enthusiastic welcome has made me feel better than any magic pill or willow tea. I appreciate your concern Jaken and I am deeply touched by it, but if you don't stop acting like I am made of glass I will be forced to disprove your notion of my frailty by pummeling you within an inch of your sycophantic life.” The threat was hollow but apparently I was the only one who knew it, Jaken immediately changed his tack.

 

“That will not be necessary, Donella-sama, are you hungry would you like me to make you some rice, tea perhaps…” I waved a silencing hand.

 

“Rin help me up please, Jaken I would love both rice and tea, but I can manage it for myself, thank you.” Rin eagerly bounded to her feet and began tugging me into an upright position.

 

“Nonsense, Donella-sama I made you angry, I insist on doing this for you. Rin help her to my chair this will take but a moment.” The toad eagerly threw himself into the task of making rice, while I sat in the offered chair and Rin brought me up-to-date on the party's goings on; which translated into Sesshomaru's doings.

 

Apparently after my fever broke he ordered Jaken to take care of my every need and make sure that I did not cause myself more injury through, “dim-witted bravado” as we needed to quit the manor in three days time. I sighed, This being day two I suppose I should pack before I go to bed tonight. Jaken was also ordered to gather all necessary supplies from the manor and if possible locate some warm douchuugi's or shawls that would fit Rin and I, and some extra blankets, So much for a warm place to stay through the cold weather. I sighed.

 

Jaken chimed in as he placed a steaming bowl of rice before me and I began eating voraciously. “I have already fulfilled my lords request as far as supplies and attire are concerned, Donella-sama, all is in readiness for his return and our departure. As long as you are healthy enough to travel.” I pushed the empty bowl away from me before answering him.

 

“I will be fit to travel tomorrow, Jaken, as long as the pace is not a taxing one, and it never seems to be, though I think I will avoid accosting any mushi or other yokai for a while yet.” The statement caused a thought to occur to me and I was quick in asking Jaken, “In your exploration of the castle did you happen upon any weapons? I am not keen on remaining unarmed.”

 

Jaken eagerly smiled and responded, “Oh yes, Donella-sama please I will show you.” His insistent tug on my hand was the only encouragement as Rin and I followed him across the garden and into he adjacent dojo. Lining the walls on inset dowels were a variety of weapons on display, including over three-dozen swords.

 

I smiled down at Jaken's triumphant face, “Well done indeed, Jaken.” He and Rin remained quiet as I tested several of the blades; many of them were poorly crafted even to my untrained eye. Others were to heavy or two long, but I finally settled on a black handled wakizashi that moved well in my hand and didn't weigh my arm down. With the weapon temporarily sheathed and resting in the sash of my obi we returned to the castle.

 

Jaken went to prepare Ah-Un for the next day's departure and Rin fell asleep in my bed as I packed my things, taking care to place the sword in easy reach and making sure my new-found hair ribbons were with my cloths. I was right about the pocky, they both devoured it. I thought with a warm smile over the memory.

 

Though my body wasn't fully recovered I was filled with a nervous energy and was not eager to return to the bed I had so recently managed to depart. I left it to Rin and restlessly roamed the halls of the manor looking for things that might be useful on our journey. The manor was shadowed and still, only being illuminated by infrequent beams of moonlight, the eerie silence made me feel like the only person on earth. The first room I came upon was a child's and I entered it hesitantly, feeling like an intruder.

 

The space showed evidence of a violent struggle. Tables, benches and toys lay in shattered pieces everywhere. As I hesitantly entered the room I saw a little girl's doll. Dressed in a pure white kakeshita kimono the doll's Uchikake was stained brown with blood. “Oh little bride, what happened to your family?” I asked the doll sadly as I idly ran a finger over the sinister mark.

 

My mind was filled with screaming and crashing then; I looked up in alarm to see the room, as it must have been that day, furniture whole, with the toys in boxes and on pegs. A little girl, no older than Rin, huddled under a bench clutching the bride doll close, shaking in fear. A filthy man in mismatched armor charged through the door with an evil laugh.

 

“Come out little rabbit, I fancy rabbit stew for my supper!” His laugh sent shivers down my spine and the little girl under the bench whimpered. The marauder's smile broadened as he advanced towards her hiding place. I heard myself cry out a warning, but no one heard it.

 

“Leave her be!” A girl of about sixteen stood behind the man now, she was wielding a battered, recently bloodied Naginata and trembling violently.

 

The child under the bench cried out, “Onee-chan!” Her voice was quivering with terror and it made my heart ache for them both.

 

The bandit turned on the girl with a sweeping blow of his sword. The girl blocked the strike with her Naginata and yelled to her sister, “Kazuko, Run! Find Osamu!” The little girl did not hesitate as her sister continued to fight the brigand. She fled for her life and the doll fell forgotten to the floor near the battling pair. The older girl landed a blow to the marauders arm forcing him to step back and slip on the doll, the girl pressed her advantage and took a deep wound to her thigh as he drove the Naginata's curved blade deep into the brigand's belly.

 

She stood for just a moment contemplating her work as her blood, unnoticed, flowed from her leg and marred the doll's Uchikake. A noise behind her was the only warning as one of the dead man's allies took his revenge. I cried out in anguish and rage as the sword went cleanly through her back and out her chest. She fell upon the lifeless body of her own victim and did not move again as the vision faded from my eyes. I was once more alone in a broken room, clutching a blood stained doll, and sobbing as if my heart would burst.

 

“Oh God, this is truly a curse, please take these visions from me. They cause me nothing but pain, and strife and do no one any good.” The prayer was whispered to the doll, but the answering voice beside me was a far more familiar one.

 

“Perhaps you truly are a mad woman, to see things that are not there and weep for them.” Sesshomaru's icy voice helped the tears freeze, unshed, in my eyes and for once I was grateful, for his mordant company.

 

“My Gran called it the second sight.” I whispered through the pain in my chest, “No one ever believed her when she told them how she knew something, but she would often tell people things that they would not credit until after. Like when a person was going to die, or when they would become ill or to avoid a willow trees tomorrow else a falling branch will harm you. She also said walls and items spoke to her, telling her secrets of their past. She was never wrong, and it was a bit unnatural, but I don't think anyone ever believed she had a real gift.” I continued to stare sightlessly at the doll clutched in my white knuckled hands. “Why me, why now?” A memory from my childhood came unbidden to my mind, `Daniel, young Donella is a very special one. It is good she is named for a ledged, names hold power and she will do great and amazing thinks. Mark me, she has the gift.'

 

“My father didn't believe it then, and I don't want it to be true now.” I removed the bloodstained Uchikake from the doll and let garment fall to the floor.

 

“Do not look for sympathy from me, ningen.” I laughed at the impassive words as I stood and finally looked in his direction.

 

“Don't worry, Sesshomaru-sama, I would sooner expect to wring tears from granite.” With the battered doll in hand, I made my thoughtful way back to my room. I placed the doll on top of my packed belongings next to my sword. Crawling into bed next to Rin I fell into an exhausted and dreamless slumber.

 

I was putting the doll into my pack the next morning when Rin asked about it. “Donella-sama she's so pretty, where did you find her?” She fingered the white silk of the dolls kimono with a child's obvious yearning.

 

“She was hiding from bandits in a dark room last night and I rescued her. Do you like her?” Rin gave me a hopeful nod, and I handed her the doll, “You need to take very good care of Kazuko, Rin, her family is gone now and she needs someone to look after her and keep her safe from more bandits.” Rin clutched the little doll close and I hoped the real Kazuko had found Osamu and was safe.

 

“I will, Donella-sama, just like Sesshomaru-sama takes care of Rin!” She announced with a fiercely determined look. I gave her an affectionate hug.

 

“I have no doubt about that, Hotaru, now help me with these blankets I'm sure Sesshomaru-sama is eager for us to leave.”

 

The next few days of travel were exhausting for me. Both Rin and Jaken were constantly badgering me about my health and I pushed myself to hide the fatigue from them. My recovery was slow, even though I rode Ah-Un's back regularly; it took me half a month to get enough energy back to resume a semblance of my earlier routine. Yet I still left the camp every night with my sword, even though after dishes and a bath I had no energy to wield it, and I still sang songs and told stories to Rin when I returned.

 

In spite of it all, I was again practicing my rusty katas with my new weapon and beginning to feel more like my old self by what I reckoned was mid-October. Sesshomaru remained with the group constantly which, in itself, was unusual and he also began joining us at the fire as I told my stories which was astounding. However, his anomalous behavior had not yet reached its pinnacle there.

It was a few days shy of the full moon and I was practicing my katas in a clearing away from the camp when I felt his aura suddenly appear nearby. He must have been running for it to be that strong so suddenly, I thought as I paused in my practice. Lowering my weapon I turned towards him. He remained invisible to me in the shadow of the trees, yet due to our prolonged companionship or my blossoming supernatural abilities, I knew where he was and I silently stared into the shadow waiting for him to speak.

 

It took a long time; my body began to cool from my exertion and the drying sweat in the frigid air made me shiver before he finally stepped into the light and said, “You're motions are too precise, your cuts are fluid, but without a sparing partner to show you your weaknesses you technique will never improve.”

 

“I thank you for the advice, Sesshomaru-sama, did you venture out this way to critique my swordsmanship or is that just that beginning of a list? Perhaps there are other defects of which I am unaware that you would like to expound upon?”

 

“There are a great deal, ningen, but that is not my intention.”

 

“Well I am relieved that you don't currently plan on listing them all, since the night is chill and I would like to indulge in the warm bath Jaken so painstakingly provided before his efforts are wasted.” I sheathed my sword and picked up my bath things as I moved in the direction of the manufactured hot spring.

 

“Watch yourself, ningen, I am not finished conversing with you.” So he's in the mood to play the lordling again? Heaving a longsuffering sigh I turned back to face him.

 

“And to what do I owe the honor?” My tone was annoyed, my words were flippant and my glare was a borderline challenge.

 

“You try my patience, ningen.” His icy warning did nothing to cool my irritation.

 

I crossed my arms over my chest hugging my buddle tightly, “I am sorry, Sesshomaru-sama, I am just trying to steel myself for more unfounded accusations or incongruous maltreatment of my character. Please, forgive me if I sound defensive or discourteous.” There was no change in his manner to gage if the venom in my words struck home, but I was please with the acidic remarks nonetheless.

 

“An open mouth often catches a closed fist, ningen.” My antipathy dissolved at the bizarre repetition of my own words I let my parcel call to the ground beside me and I slowly sat on the cold earth.

 

“Even the devil can quote scripture. I suppose throwing my own words back at me is less biblical, but no less fitting. What is it that you have to say to me, Sesshomaru-sama?” my voice was tired now that is was drained of it's malice.

 

“If you insist on risking your life needlessly, I would be remise in my assurance to Rin if I allowed you to do it so ill prepared.” I raised an inquisitive eyebrow in his direction but remained quite, and he eventually continued, “It is obvious that, against my better judgment, ningen, you will continue to fight where you should instead run and hide. Therefore my honor demands I see that you can at least hold off an opponent tolerably until some aid can be provided.”

 

I watched him for several minutes as he stood regally in the moonlight while I considered his condescendingly munificent proposal. Cold as death itself, and yet just below the surface, so much boiling rage. He could snap me like a twig. “I appreciate that you rarely do anything without a great deal of forethought, Sesshomaru-sama. I find you're offer is quite generous, however, I would make a very fragile student for you instruction, and I do not wish to be injured by you so soon after the last wounds have healed.”

 

“You attempt shame me, ningen, with your barbs of false accusations and injury.” The words were a question, but his toneless reply made it more of a derisive statement “Draw your sword.” Awe shit, I stood but I held my hands out and away from my weapon.

 

“Sesshomaru-sama we have been over this once before I do not wish to fight you, no matter what the reason.” He didn't bother replying. A ferocious growl was my only warning as he rushed me with an unnatural speed. Like the last time my sword practically drew itself and I let my instinct take over as the white blur continued its assault. His deflecting blows against my blade were not as severe as I had expected, but they still made my arms ache from their intensity.

 

As I threw my energy into defending myself from his onslaught, it became obvious that he was intentionally holding back. Yet after only a few moments he finally landed a blow to my shoulder that sent me rolling across the clearing. Rin's said his sword wouldn't cut living flesh, but still it's going to leave one hell of a mark. He again stood motionless in the clearing as I collected myself and gingerly inspected my throbbing arm. “Christ! The same arm! Now I have unsightly scratches and a giant welt! Gah, you are un-freaking-believable! What the hell was that supposed to prove anyway?” I angrily climbed to my feet and glared bloody murder at the stoic yokai as I sheathed my sword once more and glowered at him with my fists clenched in rage.

 

“You are not as slow as I expected, but you must learn to do more than just defend yourself if you intend on being effectual against a true opponent. We will continue tomorrow evening.” He turned to leave, but my anger was not yet spent.

 

“You could have seriously injured me and all you can say is, `We will continue tomorrow evening' I refuse to draw my sword against you again, Sesshomaru-sama, this is a pointless endeavor.” I yelled at his receding back and I was forced to take a retreating step as he quickly moved to stand in front of me and meet my own malicious gaze with blazing molten gold.

 

“Baka, ningen, I understand enough about you now to know that if you were truly injured you would not be yelling like a malcontent harridan. You would foolishly pretend the wound was minor and hide it until it festered. As for this `endeavor' it proved precisely what I wished it to prove. I am capable of landing a blow upon your person with out serious injury. Though you are not as incompetent as I first suspected, you are yet in dire need of instruction, we will continue your training tomorrow evening,” He turned to go and as he left me he called back, “I will have Jaken reheat the water for your bath, warmth will help diminish the abrasion and sooth the ache.” Damn it, again he's left me speechless in a field. I ground my teeth in annoyance, Sesshomaru three, Donella one. The score may be in your favor, you pompous over grown poodle, but it's still nowhere near the final round and I will best you yet.

 

Author's Notes: Wow so many people to thank for this chapter!

 

Tootsiepop254: Always at the top of the list girl, you're conversation keeps me going and though sometimes life sucks, you are there to remind me of the difference between being cynical and being SMART! Suki would give you steamed turnip soup, all I have is a crappy dedication.

 

Feathergriffin:I love character interaction, but if Donella didn't keep getting herself into danger how can I ever make Sesshomaru her hero. Don't worry more conversations to come. ;) And thanks for the fluffything theory it was just a lot of fun to read.

 

Avael:Thanks so much for the enthusiasm it really keeps me trying harder to impress you all. :)

 

InuDstories:Brief as always, but your reviews are well appreciated.

 

Wandering Hitokiri:Writing those scenes was way to much fun for me and I was trying not to be malicious, however your hilarity was worth every jab and kick, thank you and I hope to keep you smileing.

 

Waterlilykitty:Wow for all your comments thank you so much! I am glad that someone out there appreciates my verbosity as well as my diarrhea of the keyboard. I sometimes feel I am adding to much detail, but as chapter nine proves, when I cut back it all feels rushed. So no more of that. ^^

 

Sohnaka:I am please and delighted that you have reviewed my new pet project so enthusiastically. Also please don't worry, `For Amalie's Love' is just on hiatus while I polish the final chapters. Thank you for reading!

 

Moonprincess: Thank you for your review and I hope you keep reading, and thank you for the disambiguation on the tail. For future reference do you remember which manga number that was?