InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Botanist and the Beast ❯ Chapter 12: Come in, and Make Yourself Unwelcome ( Chapter 12 )

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, “Ghost of a Rose” belongs to Blackmore's Night and Mowgli and Riki Tiki Tavi belong to the family of Rudyard Kipling

 

The Botanist and the Beast

 

Chapter 12: Come in, and Make Yourself Unwelcome

Dear Alice,

To hell with Dinah, if you do not leave my home immediately I will have Bill burn it to the ground! And bring my gloves with you, you stupid girl, I'm LATE.

-The White Rabbit

 

 

 

I was up with the sun the next morning. My restless night had transformed itself into crabby nervous energy and I was in the guardhouse practicing before breakfast trying to alleviate it. Letting my mind empty and my body go through the now familiar motions with thoughtless ease, I was in the zone. I felt my tension dissipate and my body relaxed into the routine, until an all too familiar aura rushed into my perception and a sword met the swing of my blade.

 

I didn't bother yelling at him, it was pointless. Instead I focused all the anger I felt at his intrusion, and my night's confused turbulence on his behalf, into my assault. Since attacking left me weak against his much quicker reflexes, and inhuman speed, I usually defended myself during our sparing matches and only attack to keep his furious onslaught from cornering me. Today I was in no mood to be chased around a confined space so he could prove some macho yokai point about my inept human abilities. Fuck it. If he beats me quickly he'll leave that much sooner, but I'm in no mood for backing down today.

 

So I pushed forward where I should have stepped back and slashed where I normally would have parried. In the heat and anger of the moment I managed to force him to move back and his arm to swing wide while my sword arched toward his armless side and cut into his armor. It was only then I notice the blade glowing red and the faint shimmering aura that encompassed my own hands. I checked the swing as much as I could, astonishment and regret replaced my rage as I retreated and lowered my weapon in shock.

 

He remained still for several moments examining the gash in disbelief. I kept my distance expecting a furious reprisal. My sword fell from numb fingers, clattering loudly to the floor, in the ringing silence I whispered, “I'm sorry, S-s-Sesshomaru-sama, did I injure you?” My voice was shaking and I was surprised to find that I was trembling in fear as his hazardously glowing eyes focused on me. My heart was threatening to pound right out of my chest; He's going to rip me to shreds for sure!

 

When he finally moved, it was with lightning speed and I had to resist my instinct to reach for my weapon against the expected retribution. Stay still, stay still he won't really hurt you, stay still! My mind was racing down that panicked route as I felt him seized my right hand into a death grip. His eyes had lost their dangerous sheen but something in his poster told me that castigation was still undecided.

 

Slowly he drew the captured appendage to his nose and tentatively sniffed the palm. Confused and bewildered, I tugged on my hand, but he wouldn't release it as he lowered it, “As I suspected, your spiritual faculties are only accessible when you are operating irrationally.” He let my hand drop and took a defensive stance a few feet from me.

 

“We will try that again, ningen, retrieve you sword.” Still giddy with unshed tears and a flurry of emotional upheaval, anger again managed to take the forefront. Yet it was a fragile control that threatened to give way to hysteria quickly. Don't cry in front of him, don't you dare cry! I held onto my rage, but my precarious state would not allow me to speak to him. Silently I whirled and strode into the courtyard, intent on putting as much distance between him and my inevitable breakdown as possible. Like nothing happened, like I didn't just try to kill him, like he's not hurt. Again! I don't want to hurt him I…But, I could not look down that path of ruin and heartbreak and continue to deny my unshed tears freedom. So I ground my teeth, set my mouth in a grim line, and marched; right into several feet of irate yokai.

 

Wordlessly I sidestepped him and continued my trek, but a vise like grip on my arm halted me. “We are not finished, ningen.” I stared at his hand on my arm mutely; knowing that if I looked up to meet his reproachful glare my hard won self-control would unravel.

 

My voice came out as a tattered whisper around the choking ball of emotion that clogged my throat, “I am.” His hand tightened bruisingly on my arm as I tried to move away from him. Please, don't make me do this. I pleaded in my mind, knowing that begging would do no good.

 

“Donella-sama! Donella-sama, look! Rin found eggs for breakfast! The pounding feet of the racing child and her gleeful calls caused the restraint on my arm to melt away as Sesshomaru turned from me and vacated the courtyard of even his aura in an instant. It was as if that iron grip had been the only thing holding me up, the moment I was released, my tremulous knees gave out and I wilted to the ground. “Donella-sama!” Rin cried in shock, dropping the basket of eggs she wrapped me in a crushing hug. “Donella-sama, are you all right?” The fear in her voice pulled me back from my fugue.

 

I took a few calming gulps of air before giving her a weak smile and a reassuring hug, “I'm just a little drained, Rin, but nothing a nice egg breakfast won't fix.” I tried to make my voice sound energetic but the result was pitiable at best as I stood and helped her retrieve what few undamaged eggs remained. As we walked back the Shiro, Rin worriedly barraged me with questions and observations about my health that I attempted to soothe hastily.

 

“Donella-sama, you don't look well! You're not sick again are you?”

 

“No, Hotaru, I'm just really hungry.”

 

“You aren't holding your stomach like Rin does when she's hungry and you're really pale are you sure?” It took me several minutes, breakfast and a hearty grumbling from Jaken, but she finally accepted my assurances. By then the snow had begun to fall again in earnest and so we entertained ourselves through the day by drawing pictures, telling stories and singing by the fire. Rin, much to Jaken's alarm and anguish, related to me a hysterical tale of his attempt to steal Inu-Yasha's sword and his various failed tactics. In turn I attempted to tell her the story of a boy named Mowgli, an abandoned man-cub raised by wolves.

 

Yet the premise seemed to appall her, “Wolves are bad, bad animals and Rin hates them, Donella-sama.” She was so upset I told her `Rikki-Tikki-Tavi' instead and though it took me a while to explain what cobras and mongooses were she enjoyed it a great deal more and was laughing and giggling at the end. As I tucked her in that night I sang `Ghost of a Rose' to her,

 

“When all was done, she turned to run
Dancing to the setting sun as he watched her
And ever more he thought he saw
A glimpse of her upon the moors forever
He'd hear her say...
'Promise me, when you see, a white rose you'll think of me
I love you so,
Never let go,
I will be your ghost of a rose...'”

 

I had been so caught up in the song I hadn't noticed his aura approach, but as I finished, I felt Sesshomaru near and knew he'd been listening. My mind was flooded with the morning's worries, What will I say to him now? Can I ever bring myself to ever spar with him again? “Donella-sama,” Rin's sleepy voice drew me away from my troubled thoughts of him. “That song was so pretty, but so sad too.”

 

I gave her a distracted smile, “Love songs often are, dear heart, because love relies on the uncertain hearts of two different people and it is seldom sensible.” I thought of the Daiyoukai lurking somewhere outside the room, And is frequently horribly wrong. Making a person more foolish than they care to admit. That, however, is a truth a child should not be told and one I didn't particularly want a yokai to hear. Giving the drowsy child one last hug I reclaimed my lantern from her bedside and made my way to the hall.

 

I was grateful that Sesshomaru wasn't visibly present in the hall as I went to my room, but his aura was still inescapably near. Restlessly I donned my boots, douchuugi and cloak before stepping out into the lady's, silent, snow wrapped garden. His presence was still close, but under the open night sky it was less suffocating as I busily brushed snow from a bench and sat.

 

The garden was magical in the silver moonlit glow and though the night was bitterly cold, I was comfortable in my layers of silk and fur. Gazing up into the starry sky I let the magnificent diamond exhibit lull and relax me. A few moments in the silent landscape lent me enough audacity to speak to the unseen shadow, “Please come out, your skulking disturbs my peace of mind.” I kept my voice quiet, in difference to the snow-blanketed silence, but a specter across from my position detached itself from the gloom and strode into the light.

 

There was a moment of taciturn consideration between us before he spoke, and my heart involuntarily sped up as the baritone glacier crashed into me, “This Sesshomaru does not skulk, ningen.”

 

“Lurk, loiter, creep, prowl, haunt, however you wish to label it, it is no less disquieting.” I was glad that, though my pulse was still at a forceful velocity, my voice was as detached as his own.

 

“This Sesshomaru would not use any of those words.” Well not `this Sesshomaru' but maybe another one of you multiple personalities might, weirdo.

 

I gave him a thoughtful, “Hmm,” In response as I tore my eyes from his luminous manifestation and focused once more on the night sky, eventually my pulse slowed, until he sat beside me. “Your conduct this morning was puerile and aberrant.” I made an irreverent noise and continued star gaze. His hand gripped my shoulder and my head automatically swiveled to face him. “I would have you explain your actions, ningen.”

 

The snow began to fall again. I felt a blush creep into my cold cheeks and I gave him a sardonic half-smile as our eyes locked, “I was operating irrationally, Sesshomaru-sama, I am sorry if I injured you.”

 

“Indeed.” His hand wandered from my shoulder and tucked a stray lock of hair back under my hood. I recoiled from the gentle touch; tucking my hands into my cloak as I shivered. “You are cold.” Not really.

 

“A bit,” I replied as I watched the snowflakes descend to the earth absently, “But I have spent too much time surrounded by walls and I don't wish to return to their incarceration just yet.”

 

“Incarceration? I would think you would be more comfortable within walls than following me aimlessly all over creation, ningen.” I chuckled softly as he threw my own words at me.

 

“Words spoken in anger often mean more than they should.”

 

“You do seem to have over come your aversion to my appearance.” I gave a small laugh at that.

 

“Well, Sesshomaru-sama, anger can also make even the most appealing creatures unsightly and you are not the most appealing, nor was I the most composed.”

 

“Your composure was not much better this morning, ningen, and yet you said nothing of the sort.”

 

“I have said too many cross and insincere words to you in recent memory, Sesshomaru-sama, I did not wish to add more.” The gentle drift of snow began to fall in earnest. I stood, but a hand on my elbow kept me from leaving and forced me to look at him.

 

“Your tale confuses me ningen, what inducement did the elder sisters use to compel the Daghda's sons to die for them?” I thought of the Japanese take on suicide: seppuku, oibara, and junshi are considered honorable and in many cases necessary. Even in the modern day, if a man committed suicide his family is often still entitled to the life insurance money. So what does he mean?

 

“I don't think I understand your inquiry, Sesshomaru-sama.” He gave me an impatient look.

 

“Your tale says the men were enamored with the sisters, and the women begged and counseled them to alter their tactics. Yet I find it hard to believe that a pretty face and persuasive words would convince such dishonorable men to die so willingly.” His hand fell away as I sat back down on the bench; the ever-thickening snow covered us in its freezing blanket and the cold began to slip into my bones.

 

My Celtic pride was offended, and the affront was apparent in my voice, “The last kings of the Tuatha De Danann were noble rulers, why would you say that they are dishonorable?”

 

“A pact made my ones father or liege is intransigent; a subordinate who attempts to discard it in such a deceitful manner is without honor.” His voice made it an unassailable truth and it deflated my insulted dignity.

 

“In Ireland, if a lord makes a bad bargain concerning the men he rules, those men have the right to deny or renegotiate the contract for themselves.” So there. You feudal shogunate, lordling twit.

 

“And what of women?” The cold made my body tremble as I answered.

 

“Until the Normans invaded, there was no legal difference between genders. There are stories that are not meant for the ears of children that say the elder sisters seduced and bedded the brothers. Others that say they used foul sorcery, or enticed them with promises of their wealth and land. Still others say that Danu appeared to them and ordered them to sacrifice `body and soul' for her good.”

 

Another irrepressible tremor shook my body and I stood, “Please excuse me; I'm afraid I really must go back in now.” He didn't reply as I headed to my room but his hand appeared on my elbow again as he lightly steered me towards the main entrance. In curious silence, I paused at the door to remove my outer garments and boots before followed him to the common room. He sat near the fire and gestured insistently to the seat next to him. The hearth's warmth was inviting and cautiously I sat. What is this all about?

 

Holding my numb fingers out to the fire and periodically rubbing my hands together, I waited for him to speak. “An item of some power has inadvertently come into my possession. Before I obtained it, Naraku was content to hide from my wrath, but he wishes to obtain this object. Consequently, Byakuya relentlessly seeks me out and hampers my efforts to locate his master. I wish to know more about this thing's origins and purpose.”

 

“I don't know what...” But his reason for telling me became obvious as he pressed the long forgotten circlet into my hand. I gazed down at my grandmother's bracelet with something like the elation you would have for a restored friend. It seemed to exude warmth and amity. I stared down at it for several moments as my fingers fondly polished the red stone at its heart. “So this is why you mistrusted me all this time.” I sighed as I gingerly held it out to him, but his lips tightened grimly and he didn't reach for it. I let the bangle and the hand that held it fall to my lap. “You may believe me or not, as you wish, but I only wanted to pay a debt. Until this moment I did not know that there was any value in this item, beyond the pecuniary.” I sighed as his intense eyes continued to bore into my face, “There is a granny story associated with it, but I'd put no stock in those.” His heated stare finally forced me look away.

 

“Tell me this story.” The chill command in his voice annoyed me, and I made my head lift and locked my gaze with his own as began the legend.

 

“It's a short tale. When Donella de Daoine birthed her first child to Donal O'Conghaile, a girl called Neala; Uacteran de Cusith bestowed the bracelet of Cusithbrigh upon the child as an infant gift. It has been passed from eldest daughter to eldest daughter ever since.” I paused, “So that I'm clear Cusith means fairy dog and brigh means power. Neala received the strength of the Cusith from her father's blood, and a measure of the Sidhe magic from Donella, but the Bracelet of Cusithbrigh is said to have conferred to her the great Cusith's true nature; granting her the full power of the great dog himself. When they were killed in the Great War in Heaven, Uacteran and Donella are said to have bound their immortal souls in the bloody stone instead of departing to Tir-na-n-Og. The bracelet is a symbol of our family's duty and gives us strength to carry on the fight to protect the balance.”

 

“What is the nature of the power contained in the stone?”

 

I shook my head in ignorance, “That I don't know, Sesshomaru-sama, in my life I have never seen it as more than an ornament and that story is all I know about its history.” He held out his hand and I placed it in his outstretched palm. Before my fingers left the gold of the band the room faded away from me with dizzying speed and my stomach gave a lurch as I spun into darkness. My next memory was of a bright open field and my eyes focusing on two of the most beautiful creatures I had ever seen.

 

Their cloths were an ancient pattern, but finely made. The man drew my eyes first. His knee length hair was the color of springtime grass and was blowing in the breeze, careless of its absurd shade. His sharply pointed ears couldn't hold it bay as it flew in his face, occasionally obscuring his merry smile and twinkling golden eyes. His inar trews were a sunny yellow and matched the Celtic knot work embroidery of his snowy leine perfectly. I admired the craftsmanship of those hems as dogs eternally chased and intertwined with each other. “Gah lass, ye took yer time gettin' here!” The woman's voice was like brass bell and pulled my eyes from the enigmatic metal work on the man's belt buckle to her face.

 

Her hair was the dark, living red of Dogwood branches and her eyes were burning emerald gems. Her leine was longer, becoming a shimmering white dress that made the dark burgundy and scarlet of her brat look like a river of blood running down her body. The shimmering hilt of the sword on her hip glow in contrast and made the complicated whirling knot work of her hems appear to move as she approached me. “Ye were a right fool givin' the torque ta that outland laird.” The pointy-eared woman offered me a ring-bedecked hand and pulled me easily to my feet.

 

The green haired man gave me a doggish grin that displayed a rapacious set of canine fangs. “Aye, Donella's got the right of it there, lass. We've been havin' ta holler at the top of our lungs fer ya to hear us and `twas nigh impossible fer me to help ye against those bugaboos in the village. Would'na been able to help ya `tall if'n the beastie laird hadn't followed ya there.” The woman put a soothing hand on his arm and he unconsciously covered with his own. He continued to glare at me in silence.

 

“Too true, my darlin', it was hard ta tell ye anythin' clearly unless he was next ta ya. But 'tis neither here nor there now, love, we don't have time ta scold ya.” Her fierce eyes imprisoned mine with a stern and authoritative gaze, “Listen, dear heart, a storm's a comin' and ye'll have ta make a choice. When ya do, though it tears yer heart from yer chest, remember that an oath is an oath and the balance knows that there be moren' one kinda family. Ye must remember, the need not always lay with yer blood kin.” The exchange began to make sense as I realized their identities.

 

“But sin seanmhathair, what oath? What storm? Why me?” my voice sounded childish and resentful in my ears. Donella gave me an indulgent smile.

 

“First dear, there be no reason for such formality, call me mamo, and I canna tell ye too much of the future, the balance demands it be yer free choice. Just trust yer heart and that white haired leannain of yers and all will be right.”

 

White haired leannain? Oh for Christ's sake! “He isn't my lover, mamo!” But I found myself denying it weakly to the ceiling of the Shiro's common room.

 

I felt like I'd run a marathon, my body ached and my limbs were heavy with exhaustion, but I was resting comfortably on something warm and silky; the soothing scent of pine needles and crisp autumn filled my senses. Ah crap. I thought as my foggy suspicion was brought into sharp reality as Sesshomaru's pale face moved into my view. I weakly struggled to sit up and remove my head from his cushioning thigh. His strong hand between my shoulder blades helped aided me in my endeavor and I was soon sitting upright, but the hand remained in support as my head swam.

 

“That was… disquieting, ningen.” His voice maintained its usual frosty detachment but a slight crease between his eyebrows marred the chiseled facade of his countenance.

 

“I'm sorry I…” I gave him a sheepish smile; “I'm not sure how to explain it without sounding mad.” He slowly removed his hand from my back and when I maintained my upright position he ran it pensively through his hair.

 

“I do not believe an explanation is necessary, ningen. When you attempted to return the bauble your eyes changed color and a voice that was not yours identified itself as Uacteran. The entity was insolent, but it explained much about your odd behavior.” My behavior? `Yer white haired leannain,' A sense of foreboding panic gripped me, Oh God! You evil sidhe hound what did you say to him?

 

I shook my head; “I don't know anything of what was said, I was given a completely useless warning about oaths and family from my great-grandmother Donella.” It was hard to focus my thoughts through the fatigued miasma that was my mind.

 

“Do you trust these creatures, ningen?” His voice gave away nothing of his thoughts and I answered honestly.

 

“I do, Sesshomaru-sama, but I have no evidence to endorse that conviction.”

 

“Hmm.” In what should have been an awkward gesture, for a man with only one hand, he gracefully placed the torque on my right wrist. “You will retain possession of this object and not allow it to leave your person under any circumstances, ningen.” I nodded weakly, unable to find the energy to argue his demanding tone as I struggled to stand, but my weary limbs wouldn't accommodate me as I tumbled towards to floor again.

 

My fall was arrested as I was scooped into Sesshomaru's embrace, and for the second time in my life, I marveled at how secure I felt pressed against his chest with only one arm to support me. “Please, I'm not a child. Set me down, I may be tired, but I can manage to make it to my own room.” I protested in mortification as all the blood in my body rushed to turn my cheeks scarlet.

 

“Your attempt to do just that failed, ningen.” I made an exasperated noise.

 

“If you insist on treating me as if I am ill, would you at least allow me a little dignity? Help me to my feet and lend me your support, please, I cannot abide this posture.” My plea achieved me a standing position, an arm around my shoulders and waist to lean on. So warm, it really is a shame; he's really very attractive, I pushed the last thought aside violently as we arrived at my door; I hastily pulled away from him and leaned against the frame. I was grateful for the dim hallway and prayed that the glow from my room didn't reveal my flustered appearance, “Thank you, Sesshomaru-sama; I am quite capable of managing the rest unaided.” I slid the door open and stepped into the invitingly warm refuge. His hand caught the door before I could slide it shut.

 

“Tell me, ningen, what does stocach mean?” The word startled me. Oh dear Christ! What the hell did Uacteran say to him?

 

“Where in God's name did you hear that word?” My voice was a humiliating croak.

 

“From your reaction, ningen, I do not believe this is a polite word. I wish to know its meaning.” His tone was a warning and I took a gulp of air before I answered.

 

My mortification wouldn't allow me to look him in the eye as I blushed furiously and mumbled, “Stocach is a term used to describe a male a woman is romantically involved with, but has not yet taken as a lover. A, a boyfriend,” I searched frantically in my mind for the Japanese equivalent, “kareshi.” His hand fell from the door thoughtfully and I slammed it closed before he could ask me any more embarrassing questions.

 

Anger lent me energy. Fuming, I changed into my sleepwear, Great, I loose it and cut him this morning, damn near break down in front of him and now I've had the ghost of my ancient granny's lover borrowing my body and telling him God knows what! If I ever get the opportunity to wrap my hands around that green haired mutt's neck, so help me I won't let go until he makes it all the way to Tir-na-n-Og or the eternal darkness. I took the infuriated rumination to bed with me, but my weariness was more powerful than my irritation, and I was asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow.

 

I didn't see Sesshomaru for several days after, but like a fish in a bowl, the longer he stayed in the castle the more his aura grew to fill it. I didn't know how comforted and safe the constant presence made me feel until I woke up one morning to find it gone. No wonder Jaken freaks out so much when he leaves, it feels like a crucial part of the atmosphere has been taken away. I in a gloomy haze I dressed and prepared myself for the day. Over breakfast I forced myself into a cheerful mood and put all my energy in keeping Jaken from becoming an absolutely miserable companion.

 

Noon found Rin and me in the laundry elbow deep in bedding. “Ugh! I can't take it any more Donella-sama!” The girl cried as she bound to the courtyard door and flung it open. The icy winter air flooded into the humid room and caused me to shiver in my damp cloths. I laughed.

 

“If you'll help me hand this last mattress on the rack we can both go to the bath!” I grumbled at her at I struggled to place the last heavy pad on the bamboo drying frame.

 

“Oh I'm so sorry, Donella-sama!” she cried as she rushed to aid me. It took but moments, yet the morning's work had been arduous and we were both achingly tired. With a shared grin of accomplishment we threw our damp aprons onto a rack, Rin preceded me into the courtyard as I reclaimed my sword from the door and secured it at my waist.

 

In Sesshomaru's absence it was far too easy to remember that the former inhabitants of our new home were probably driven out by force. It made me jumpy to realize Jaken and I were our only defense against history repeating itself. I may not be able to do much in a fight, but the sword makes me feel a little safer. I chuckled; My security blanket is a wakizashi, mother would be appalled.

 

The bracelet grew warm and I paused in the chill courtyard as a vision of the field before the castle filled my mind. Five people on horseback: three armored warriors, a woman and a houshi approached our gate at a slow pace. Shit! Shit! Shit! The second he leaves, it's as if trouble is always lurking around the corner just waiting for us to be defenseless! The apparition faded as quickly as it had come, but my sense of alarm grew. My hand fell to the hilt of my sword. “Rin, go find Jaken, order him to stay hidden until I call him. I don't want either of you seen. Inform him that I'll beat him within an inch of his miserable life if you are. There are riders coming, hurry.”

 

It was a struggle to give the orders calmly and even harder to untie and roll down my sleeves, face the open gate and wait for the arrival of the unknown travelers. I wish there was a way to hide the whole damn castle. I thought anxiously and Donella's voice answered me, Sorry lass, but ye be stronger and better defended, now that we be with ya. The voice in my mind caused me to jump. Great just what I need, as if things around here weren't mad enough, now I have a peanut gallery.

 

Aye lass and if it weren't for yer mamo I'd be sayin' a few choice things ta ya about respectin' yer elders!

 

Hush, Uacteran, we dinna have the time for this, they're here.

 

I fought to control my increasing nervousness as the nearing hoof beats grew louder and the first rider came into view. First, can we conceal Jaken's miniscule aura from the monk, and second can we put up a barrier so they can't actually get close to me?

 

Aye, lass, the toady is already disguised, but we can't do it all. Yer gonna have to block `em individually if they come near ye. Just focus on what ye want. Uacteran voice was soothing and my fretfulness receded slightly.

 

The group shuffled into the courtyard and the first warrior dismounted and approached me. Focus, I don't want him to come any closer than that really dark stone. “Ho there, girl! We come bearing grave news for your master fetch him immediately!” The arbitrary landmark rested six feet from me. I remained silent as he approached it, readying myself, and then he reached it. With my entire psyche I though, get back, and pushed. He was flung back almost four feet from my stone. Landing with a clattering of armor at the feet of the panicked horses and the apprehensive riders. A bit dramatic, darlin', but ye got their attention right enough. Donella's voice sounded amused and it brought a small smile to my own lips. The other two guards dismounted and drew their swords as their fallen comrade stood angrily. Before they could advance my voice rang out, as cool and condescending as any of Sesshomaru's addresses.

 

“I am the one to hear your news, soldier; for I have no other lord, nor will I permit you to enter my home without good cause. These are troubled time we live, in and I do not trust strangers easily.” I held my hands loosely at my side and my head high, I schooling my face in a mask of deceptive arrogance. Please don't call my bluff, please don't call my bluff; dear God, please just don't let them call my bluff. Then from the group a vaguely familiar face emerged.

 

“Miko O'Conghaile-sama, surely I am no stranger to you.” The young monk who had threatened to kill Sesshomaru detached himself from the cloaked woman and stepped towards me smiling. I eyed him coolly as he approached my boarder, but he stopped just behind the dark cobblestone.

 

“You may not be entirely a stranger, monk, but you are not what I would call a friend. After my companion had the good grace to spare your life, you returned only hours later with a much larger group. I do not believe it was for charitable reasons.” The boy's smile faded as he gave me a sheepish look. The warriors behind him began to creep forward, weapons drawn.

 

“You misunderstand my master's intention, lady. I told him of your immeasurable beauty, and vast capacity for affection, that you would strive to aid all wounded creatures, human and yokai alike. He only wanted to meet such a woman, whose benevolence rivals that of Buddha himself.” I warily watched the nearest fighter from the corner of my eye as he approached my imaginary line.

 

“Indeed, monk, but you keep strange company these days and their weapons do not put me at ease.” The soldier crossed the line and I threw him towards the boy, forcing him to back up as the man came sliding to a halt at his feet. “ENOUGH OF THIS!” I commanded, my voice echoed off of the nearby buildings with an unassailable roar. Oh that's a nice one lass! “I am finished with your games and false pleasantries! Sheath your weapons and state your business or so help me you will not live long enough to regret your intrusion.” Compared to my thunderous mandate, the calm threat was a pledge. The houshi looked to the woman and the lady waved her hand gently. The men stowed their armaments as she pulled back her hood and came forward.

 

She was about sixteen by her looks and it was obvious why the young monk was following her. She was stunning; long black hair was piled high in a coif that defied gravity and decorated with thousands of tiny silver pins. Her sultrily painted eyelids framed a luminous, brown gaze which seemed to fill her heart shaped face and gave her a pouting innocence that belied the ruby color of her full lips. Raised in the jaded supermodel obsessing country that I had been, the artfully decorated face made me more suspicious than the naive presentation demanded. Is she a yokai? I thought, but I didn't need my peanut gallery to reply, I felt a vague uneasiness, but I sensed nothing more than human guile at work in her person. Still, I found the girl to be untrustworthy.

 

“Lady please, you and your retainers must abandon this Shiro at once. A strong and terrible yokai has been prowling the hills and valleys nearby killing the innocent and using their blood to fuel his foul endeavors.” She fixed me with a fearful and pleading look. It's probably Sesshomaru's aura he's been sensing. He wouldn't abandon all of us here with something that terrible nearby, me possibly, but Rin… Not on your pretty little curls girly.

 

“It is true O'Conghaile-sama. At this Hime's insistence I was sent here by my master to stay this terrible beast. I have seen the damage this monster has caused first hand and it has taken Izuki-sama's very family from her.” First name basis, wow monk she has you fooled, but I don't sense any active enchantment.

 

I gave the girl a long and considering stare that caused her hands to fidget nervously with the fabric of her cloak. I fixed the monk with a sharp look, “What is your name monk?”

 

He looked startled at the sudden shift of my question, “Daitokuji Masuyo, O'Conghaile-sama.”

 

“Daitokuji-san, in your travels to this place and amongst the wreckage you have seen from this beast, have you once felt the creature's resonance or laid eyes upon it?” The girls fidgeting hands stilled suddenly and she gave me a sharper look than her innocuous mien implied. The men behind her shifted restlessly and I saw one hand fall to the hilt of a sword.

 

“No, my lady, the creature is very clever and has hidden its trail thoroughly with dark magic.” I glared down at the girl. I just bet it has. Oh little boy I'd like to save you from this, but without Sesshomaru here to back me up I don't want to see what is in this girls bag of tricks.

 

But lass, dinna ya feel him arrive? He's been listening behind that wall ta yer left since ye started talkin', and did feel him then. His aura was faint and obscure, but not injured. I doubt the young monk could sense it, but he was definitely in earshot. I suppressed a grin. I like these odds better. I pinned the girl with my most menacing glower. “I don't care to know what fraud you are attempting to accomplish here Izuki,” I laced the unadorned name with as much scorn as I could muster, “But I am in no mood. Your lies offend my intelligence and the sight of you makes me wish you harm. You have been able to dupe this poor boy with your fanciful tale and pretty face, be content with that victory and be gone.” I let rage spill into my voice and my hand idly wandered to my sword. Aye girl that be the stuff, strong emotion can be channeled ta make strong magic.

 

The houshi blanched at my words and stepped forward, obviously intent on defending his lady's honor, but said lady had other plans. With a calculating and almost impulsive demeanor she pleaded, “O'Conghaile-san, even if you do not heed our warning, at least allow us your hospitality for the evening. The nights are bitter and we have traveled a long way to bring this message to your door.”

 

Right and let you attempt to kill us in our sleep? “Baka! You try my patience. Take your men from my home before I decide your heads would look better somewhere other than your shoulders.”

 

One of the guards who hadn't tried to approach me drew his sword, “I will not allow you to insult my lady in such a manner!” I ground my teeth in furry as the fool rushed me and I prepared to deflect him with another barrier. Och, must ye lass? Tis been a long time since this old dogs been off the porch. If ye let me handle this, darlin', ye won't need yer stocach's aid. Uacteran's voice was an eager plea. I wasn't all that willing to find out just how much Sesshomaru had been holding back when we spared, but I was reluctant to be returned to that voided grassy plane while he used my body. Before I could ask him what he meant or accept, I felt the disconcerting sensation of my consciousness being pushed aside.

 

From a dreamy distance I felt a feral grin spread across my lips and knew my eyes were glowing an animal gold as my sword was drawn and my body flew into action. The other soldiers rushed forward and I heard my voice say, “And I thought I wouldna get any sport! Come, boyos, let's dance!” Wound them don't kill them! I shouted, but no sound crossed my lips. Dinna worry, lass, he'll be gentle fer the child's sake. My mamo's assurances did nothing to sooth me, but the fight lasted mere seconds. With flawless grace, and the efficiency Sesshomaru had been training me to, the last man fell away and I felt myself gain control as the sword's weight finished its flight. Smoothly I sheathed my blade.

 

Two men lay insensible and the one that had initially tested my barrier was bleeding from gaping wounds to his thigh and arm. I felt Sesshomaru's aura close and knew he was only inches behind me. Thank ye lass, that was great fun, but it wasn't fun, nor was it over. The horses panicked and bolted for the gate, the poor stupid monk fell under their hooves trying to stop them, but I had no time to see if he was alive or dead as the girl screeched, “You filthy whore! How dare you insult me and hurt my brothers! You will pay!” She pulled an enormous pendant from beneath her cloak and the black stone in its center seemed to draw the surrounding light into its sinister interior.

 

“Oh for God's sake!” I cried in exasperation as the vile, slimy atmosphere of the depraved ornament reached me. I moved to draw my sword again, but this time Sesshomaru beat me to the punch. With his usual speed and poise, he ripped the gem from her grasp and easily crushed it into dust. The girl seemed to wither with the loss of her toy, or maybe it was out of fear of Sesshomaru, but she fell to the ground sobbing. In horror I watched her gorgeous facade dissolve into a bent, crooked hag.

 

“The Miko told you to leave, ningen, do so now, or perish.” The witch fled. The remaining soldiers managed to rouse themselves, and with a limping tempo, they also made their pathetic and terrified escape. Sesshomaru's aura seemed to swell for a moment and focus, I saw an evil green ooze escape his claws and envelope the remains of the stone; with a sizzling hiss the mess was vaporized. The houshi's groans alerted me to his presence and drew me from my stupor and I realized my obligation was not over.

 

Author's Notes: all thanks to my readers more acknowledgements to follow at the end of chapter 13.