InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Botanist and the Beast ❯ Chapter 13: Disclosure, by Any Other Name ( Chapter 13 )

Disclaimer: I don't own, Sesshou, Rin and all other inu char's. Takahashi Rumiko does and though some late nights I think they own me; I'm using them here without permission.

 

The Botanist and the Beast

 

Chapter 13: Disclosure, by Any Other Name

 

Dear Alice,

Do not attempt to contact me on the subject of cats and dogs again. The matter is quite closed on my account, after all, who wishes to discuss the positive quality of murderers.

-The Mouse

 

After the stone was destroyed I paid the unraveling drama little attention as I busied myself with the wounded monk. He was conscious, but as I ripped the fabric of his pants away from his bloody right leg I noted the trampling hooves had broken it. I glanced around and saw Rin peaking from behind the door of the laundry, “Rin, bring me the two small bamboo poles we were using to stir the wash pot.” I heard the child's scampering about and seconds later she laid the requested items at my side. “Good girl, now go fetch my medicine.” With a curt nod she pelted away from me and into the castle. I turned my attention to the injured teenager before me.

 

“All right, Daitokuji-san, just lay still, I'll have you patched up in no time.”

 

“I'm sorry, O'Conghaile-sama I didn't know. I am such a fool!” The monk wailed. Oh great, bellyaching, I grumbled inwardly.

 

“Now stop that this instant! Don't start thinking that you're the first boy to be fooled by a pretty girl. Women are manipulative and cunning creatures that have been exploitation poor sots like you since the beginning of time.”

 

“I'm sorry, O'Conghaile-sama.”

 

“No apology necessary, but I'll make a deal with you, Daitokuji-san. You call me Donella, and I'll forgive you for being a fool. I'll also refrain from rubbing salt in your wounds for bleeding all over my nice kimono.”

 

“Yes, Donella-sama.” He gave me a weak smile. I heard pounding feet, and in a moment Rin's darting footsteps halted, as my bag and the little girl dropped to my side.

 

“Here *huff* you *puff* are, Donella *gasp* sama.”

 

The panting child gave me a satisfied smile as I opened my bag and said, “Thank you very much, Rin-chan, you're an angel.” The girl beamed. Focusing my attention on the battered leg I addressed my patient, “I'm not going to lie to you, Daitokuji-san, this is going to be very painful. Here put this in you mouth, I want you to bite down on it when I hurt you.” Not waiting for his consent I shoved the cloth into his mouth and grabbed his leg. Setting a bone isn't as easy as you see in the movies; it takes a lot of force, and the crunching grinding pop of the bone being pulled back into position never fails to make me feel a little ill.

 

The monk's whole body flexed against the pain of my ministrations. I grit my teeth against my exertion and his muffled scream as I set and wrapped the leg. Rin let out a melodramatic shriek as the boy passed out from shock. “Rin, stop that.” I growled crossly at the child.

 

She complied immediately with a cheerful, “Yes, Donella-sama!” As she peered at the boy with curious consideration as I worked.

 

“Donella-sama is the houshi going to stay with us?” I gave a short derisive bark of laughter, but Sesshomaru formed the first decisive answer.

 

“No, he will not. You should not waste your efforts, ningen, the monk deserves to die.” Wiping some of the quickly drying blood from my hands I considered the pallid features of the unconscious boy with pity. He can't be more than eighteen.

 

I turned from my finished work to glare at the stoic yokai, “Sesshomaru-sama, he is just a child, and while I understand it has been a very long time since you were anywhere near his age, it has been only a few short years for me. If I were condemned to death for every idiotic act I committed in my youth…I'd surely be on my hundredth lifetime by now.” I looked down at the boy pensively, “I don't want him to stay with us either, however, the he can't walk out of here, and I won't have his senseless death on my conscience.” I sighed.

 

“There is a small settlement two days walk from here. Ah-Un can span that distance in a few hours.” I gave him a grateful look for the unexpected concession.

 

“Thank you Sesshomaru-sama,” I gave the Daiyoukai an appreciative nod thoughtfully I scanned the area, “Jaken.” The toad came rushing nervously from his hiding place at my call.

 

“Yes, Donella-sama?” He looked at me with worried hopeful eyes.

 

“Why are you still hiding?” I asked him in amused puzzlement.

 

“Your warning against revealing myself without permission was dire, Donella-sama.” I chuckled at the reproachful tone.

 

“True enough. Please help me carry this monk to the stable and ready Ah-un to travel while I change into more suitable cloths.” The toad gave me a traitorous look, but before he could argue the boy began to move on his own. I knelt at his side as his eyes fluttered open. “I'm so glad you are awake, Daitokuji-san, since this weather is vile and I was disinclined to drag you through the snow. Do you think you can stand?” The monk nodded weakly. Placing my shoulders under his arm and gripping his waist, I helped him to his feet. “If you feel up to the journey, I wish to take you to the nearest village for better care.” Jaken scampered out of sight before I could remember I had a task for him.

 

“But, Donella-sama, all the villages in the area are decimated by that witches abominable magic.” I gave him a reassuring smile but before I could reply, Sesshomaru broke in.

 

His voice was reticent and made the frozen courtyard feel like Bermuda in comparison. “There is no need for you to accompany him, Ah-Un is more than capable of making the journey independently and the excursion will quite cold at altitude.” I sighed. Sure make this hard.

 

Be nice gal, he just doesna want ye out in the weather, and ye've already had a very tirin' day. He's worried fer ya.

 

Worried my ass, why are you defending him? When I spoke I could not keep my cross feelings from coating my words, “That is exactly why I have to go, Sesshomaru-sama. The boy is weak from his injury and blood loss; he will be unable to hold onto Ah-Un and keep himself wrapped in the garments and blanket necessary to stay warm through the trip.” The boy was obviously frightened by Sesshomaru's bravado, but I turned him toward the stable, Sesshomaru remained surprisingly silent while I laid the boy down in the warm hay and gave him instructions to wait while I prepared for the short journey. However, as I made my way back to the castle, the stubborn yokai could not resist putting his foot in his mouth.

 

“I forbid you to proceed with this foolhardy undertaking.” The incontestable decree in his passionless, sub-zero expression made me grind my teeth and stand straighter as, fists clenched, I let my eyes pin his with an angry challenge.

 

“I have made no oaths and no promises to you, Sesshomaru-sama. I am not one you can forbid or control. You may deny me the use of Ah-Un, and in that case my journey with the monk will last nigh a week with the pace his injured leg will allow.” I stepped audaciously into his easy reach and looked up into his now angry continence unflinchingly, “I agree that he cannot remain here, but it is my duty to see to his safety. I will not ignore it because you see fit to prohibit me out of some spiteful caprice. You may not find me to be the most considerate, or respectful woman, but I have my own sense of obligation and honor, and I will not compromise it. I am no lackey of yours and I will not be treated as such. I serve myself first and others as I see fit.” I emphasized the personal pronoun loudly as I furiously turned away from him and stomped into the castle, “I am not yours to command!” I declared as I slammed the door. I expected him to stop me, or rebuff me for my insolence; I was surprised as I changed into a warmer kimono an traveling cloths that I was allowed to do so undisturbed and even more so when I found him giving Jaken and Rin orders in the courtyard upon my return. He quickly broke off when he saw me. The duo, nodded in understanding, and went about whatever assignments he had given them as he watched me cross the quad with a predatory thoughtfulness that made me ill at ease.

 

“Good luck, Donella-sama, Rin will have dinner for you when you get back, and I'll keep the drying fire in the laundry going. Promise!” The giggling imp gave me a conspiratorial look and a hug before she dashed away. Leaving me too befuddled by her good cheer to comment on her odd expression and exuberance after having faced such recent peril. Kid bounces back faster than a Superball. I shook my head in mute wonder as I continued my cautious amble to the stable eyeing the menacing yokai apprehensively. What the Hell does he want? But it was a frequent and rhetorical question where he was concerned and I pushed it from my mind roughly.

 

In my absence, Jaken had saddled Ah-Un, propped the monk on the dragons' back, and a wrapped pile of blankets around the pitiable teen. “Donella-sama, praise Buddha you have returned, that oni is a vicious creature and the yokai's aura unsettles my mystic senses greatly.”

 

I gave a small chuckle, “Really? I find their proximity to be quite soothing at times,” I remarked mildly, and pointedly ignored said yokai as I led the animal outside and mounted.

 

“Surely not! How could a Miko as beautiful, powerful, wise and compassionate as you be anything but on edge with such terrible monsters?” The monk's shocked tone made a merry laugh bubble out of me.

 

My yokai audience was making me uneasy and it took me a few moments to reply as I position the monk securely in my arms. Rewrapping the blankets around us, I nudged Ah-Un forward, “Your flattery is pointless and misplaced. I think we've had this discussion before, Daitokuji-san, I believe evil is subjective. I hold both the Daiyoukai and the kappa in the highest regards. Please, try not to slander them in my presence.” Ah-Un launched into the air, and I was slightly annoyed when Sesshomaru's lithe figure past us and silently took the lead. What is he up to?

 

Darlin' be easy, he's just protectin' ye.

 

What is there to protect me from? The only menace I face his him.

 

“Donella-sama, does the yokai intend to accompany us to the village.” I gave the monk a reassuring hug.

 

“The yokai's name is Sesshomaru, monk, please try to be courteous, and I'm not the one to decipher his intentions. Just know that as long as you remain respectful, you have nothing to fear from him.” I hope.

 

The monk fell into an exhausted silence as the clouds swallowed the evening sun and snow began to fall gently around us. Time for some answers you two. If you could take over my body like that and talk to me, what exactly was with the out of body experience the other night?

 

I heard a heavy sigh before Uacteran replied, `Twasn't fer yer benefit, lass. I needed ta talk to yer stocach without yer interferin'.

 

I ground my teeth in frustration; He is not my… but my protest was interrupted by Donella's gentle tone. Lass, if it looks like a dog, and barks like a dog don't be surprised when ye're bitten. Ye may not have made advances to him, but ye care for him all the same.

 

It was my turn to sigh, My feelings have no bearing on the matter. I thought dismally.

 

`Tisn't true, lass… Donella began, but I interrupted her roughly.

 

Will I have to put up with your running commentary on my life as long as I wear this bracelet, because it's wearisome.

 

I heard a deep throaty male laugh. Nay, lass, it takes a good deal of our energy ta talk to ya and even more for us to amplify yer power the way we have been, but we will be watchin' ya.

 

Well then, tell me about the bracelet.

 

The stone of the torque was made from my bone and blood, lass. When Danu sacrificed herself for the world, one of her final acts was to seal yer mamo and me into the gem, waitin' on the day ye'd come here and need our strength. Every time ye draw on that power ye become a little stronger and our existence in this world becomes a little weaker. Eventually ye'll be able ta use it on yer own and we will finally be allowed to fade into Tir-na-n-Og.

 

But why? I cried in despondency and bewilderment Donella was the one to reply.

 

Fer the balance, lass; twas all set into motion eons before yer conception in order ta protect and maintain the balance. The power'd rip ye ta pieces if we just let it all flood into ya at once. Ye aren't as strong as Neala was, bein' as yer sidhe blood is so weak. The power's gotta be fed to ya a little at a time so ye can adjust to it.

 

Why do I need the power in the first place, mamo? Why the hell am I here and how the fuck does Naraku know about any of this? My heart was pounding, and I couldn't keep my panic hidden from my own mind. I felt Donella's soothing presence flow through me.

 

Be easy. Yer here to aid yer stocach, darlin'.

 

“Stop calling him that!” I growled out loud. The monk fidgeted restlessly in my arms, but the fiercely cold wind and Ah-Un's velocity kept him well muffled against me in the blankets and I couldn't hear his remark.

 

Aye, lass, I'll stop fer now, but how long can ye deny the truth? The lad cares fer ye. I snorted derisively, but my heart did an uncontrolled flip in my chest.

 

Just tell me about Naraku, since talking fatigues you. I urged as I looked out on my surroundings. The evening sky had begun to darken. The snow fell in earnest in the thickening gloom over the immaculate and consistent landscape.

 

The beastie doesna know what we are, but just after ye left the torque with him, yer lad fought Naraku's bullyboy wearin' it. The twit felt the extra energy the pup had with him an' he dinna take long ta figure it was the new jewelry the lad was sportin' that did it. The plug-ugly tried ta take it from him, but the whelp wasna havin' none of it. Though he seems pretty burnt ta know he had help in the fight. Plucked the torque right off after that, none to gently I might add. `Til he gave it back to ya, he'd just carried it `round and we havena been able to do mucha anythin'.

 

Sesshomaru's vaguely glowing outline descended to the earth; I felt Ah-Un pitch downward as they followed their master and I struggled against the monk's weight as he leaned dangerously frontward. We were several yards from the village, shrouded in encroaching forest and I was grateful for Sesshomaru's prudence. The descent took only moments and was soon contemplating my dismount. I was hard pressed to detach myself from the warmth of the blankets and disentangle the boy from the dragons' harness, but after a few minuets of struggle, I managed. A short distance off, Sesshomaru watched impassively, obviously not intending to help as the weary houshi slid from the saddle and landed heavily in my arms. “Steady there, Daitokuji-san, you only have one leg to work with.” I muttered as shifted his weight to my shoulders.

 

“I am very sorry, Donella-sama, I will try to be less of a burden. If it is not to forward of me, please would you call me Masuyo-kun?” His eager tone made me flash him a sunny smile.

 

I'd expect no less from someone who has ruined one of my favorite kimonos, Masuyo-kun. I will, however ask a favor in return, call me Donella-chan and promise me you won't go hunting any more of my friends. It would really dampen our budding amity if I had to rub salt in your wounds instead of mending them the next time we meet.” He gave me a weak smile as we moved stiffly to the village.

 

“I do promise, Donella-chan, but I hope it will not take bodily injury for me to be blessed with your exquisite visage again.” Oi! The lad lays in on thick. I laughed at both comments.

 

“Insincere flattery will not make this walk any shorter, Masuyo-kun, save your energy for moving,” I grunted glibly, but the boy stopped at my words and stared into my eyes petulantly.

 

“But Donella-chan I am not being deceitful! Your hair is like a glowing fire and your eyes are as green and bright as shining jewels. I have never met a woman with such power, splendor and kindness; you are truly a wonder.” His sober eyes searched my face fixedly. The hand on my shoulder was shaking with the intensity of his words and the teenager looked like he would burst into tears at any moment. Oh God help me, he's really serious! I sighed heavily and gave the boy a rueful smile.

 

“Come on we aren't making it to the village any faster by standing in the snow talking nonsense, Masuyo-kun, please don't make me drag you.” I gave the houshi a tug on his waist.

 

“But, Donella-chan…” I interrupted him before he could say one more idol worshiping word.

 

“I heard you the first time, Masuyo-kun, and I thank you, but for now, let's just get you someplace warm all right?” The monk nodded and we made our sluggish way to the village while secretly I worried about what Sesshomaru was plotting from the shadow of the trees.

 

It took an eternity to drag the tiring houshi to the town, obtain lodging for him and explain why I was not staying myself. The quarter moon was well on its path through the clearing night sky by the time I returned to where I'd left Sesshomaru and Ah-Un. Only to find them gone, wearily I leaned against a tree and contemplated the snowy countryside. I could feel Sesshomaru's presence, but he wasn't standing anywhere obvious. Look up lass. Uacteran's sniggering voice prompted.

 

Sesshomaru was almost ten feet up my supporting tree, lounging on a branch and apparently studying the village. I crossed my arms over my chest and let my eyes drift in the same direction. In a low, idle voice I asked, “Does it look like anything more than a collection of mud huts from that vantage?”

 

He moved quickly from his post to my side. I tensed as his arm suddenly circled my waist and his hot breath in my ear whispered, “See for yourself, ningen,” As he launched us into the air. He landed with cat like grace, rolling me in front of him on our narrow perch before lowering me to my feet. He released me then, but a strong wind on the branch threatened my balance and I felt his arm wrap around my upper torso as he rested his hand on my left shoulder. My heart was racing and I hoped he would think it was from fear. Then I shivered and also wished he would attribute that involuntary reaction to the cold, though my treacherous body was suddenly far to warm for my layers of winter clothing. His boa snaked down from his shoulder to wrap me in a warm cocoon, inadvertently drawing me even closer to him.

 

We remained silent in the intimate pose for several moments and I tried to be careful about keeping my arms crossed and not touching him as much as possible. My pulse eventually began to slow as I relaxed a little into the comfortable posture. I gazed down at the small community before us, outlined by the snow swept scene and illuminated by the sporadically glowing moon through the shifting clouds it looked like a postcard. When he spoke, the low rumble of his softly spoken word reverberated through my back, “Well.”

 

His indiscernible tone didn't really make the word a question, but I answered him anyway, “In my life I have seen some of the most beautiful constructions than man can engineer over thousands of years. Where I come from we have cities that twinkle like gems with artificial lights in rainbows of color that never dim. I swear to you, Sesshomaru-sama, the shadow of those clouds on that pristine snow is more beautiful than any of them.” My voice was low and wistful as I contemplated the contrasting images in my mind, and he's prettier than that aye, lass? Responded a mocking voice in my mind.

 

I thought it took to much energy for you to keep up a commentary, dog breath? I asked crossly, but a chuckle was my only response.

 

“You paint a grim picture of the future to come, ningen.” I sighed, and closed my eyes trying to banish my melancholy.

 

“It was easier for me to ignore the hypocrisy of it all while Adrian was alive, and even after he passed I had a good life that I enjoyed for the most part, but the truth is I do not hold my fellow man in very high regard. I find our conveniences and advances to be hollow attainments.”

 

“And why is that, ningen.” I gave a derisive snort and shifted my weight uncomfortably to my other foot.

 

“Because the majority of humans are to short sighted, not wanting to look past their own fleeting mortality and those with more prescience do not see past the inconsequential.” My voice was sad now, and my exertions from the day added to my soul weary answer. I unconsciously leaned into him and then righted myself when I realized my error, though he did not move to rebuke my impertinence.

 

“Explain yourself.” I chuckled.

 

“If I was less tired I would probably argue the obscurity of your statement, but I know what you mean. My point is this, what is the sense of ruling the world and having all the power imaginable, if you're realm is scorched earth, your throne is built on crumbling ruins and you are sovereign of an empire of corpses?”

 

The considering “hmm,” in response rumbled through my entire torso flutteringly and I felt a blush rise in my cheeks and my heart speed up. Blessedly my peanut gallery had gone silent. “Tell me, ningen, why did you permit the monk such a familiar and intimate mode of address and then reject his advances?”

 

I tensed a little in his grip as the unanticipated and perilous question came flying out of left field and I felt his hand tighten gently on my shoulder, “The boy was in pain and I feel awkward that my behavior is partially to blame. Also, my rebukes about his ignorant viewpoints and his opinion of yokai in particular, have undermined his entire belief system. I wanted to show him that I bear him no ill will, and since such titles don't even exist in my society, it seemed like a small thing. As to the other…” I paused as I felt my face flush and struggled past my embarrassment, “while it has been a very long time since I've had a lover, I am not yet desperate enough to molest pubescent boys.”

 

“Hmmm, your contradictory behavior perplexes me, ningen. When this Sesshomaru forbid you to make this journey you made an exhibition of disrespectful furry, yet you went to great pains to convince the monk to be courteous, and then you called me friend.” I had a sinking feeling in my stomach; the tone of his voice had changed into something I didn't recognize. God I wish I could see his face, what they hell is he getting at?

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, why exactly are we in a tree, instead of returning to the others and where is Ah-Un?” I asked with angry apprehension.

 

“Ah-Un has returned to the Shiro. There are things I would discuss with you, ningen, and you object to being detained.” So let's put the obstinate ningen up a tree where she needs to do a kamikaze suicide jump or rely on you to get down. The jump looked tempting. I ground my teeth and I felt his claws through the layers of cloths as he tightened his grip on my, pulling me even more tightly to him. Trapped, a fearful voice rang in my head and my heart rate increased. I thought I heard a snigger from my mental studio audience and a short growl of frustration escaped my throat. “It is a long way to the earth, ningen, and even further to the Shiro, watch yourself.” The impassive warning was like a bucket of ice water on the boiling flames of my rage.

 

I took a deep, calming breath before I replied, “I am completely at your mercy, Sesshomaru-sama; I am not reckless enough to wage a meaningless fight when the odds are so monumentally stacked in your favor.”

 

He let out a small grunt, “Answer my inquiry, ningen.” I considered so long that he made a warning noise in his throat and his claws constricted menacingly into my shoulder.

 

“I am not disregarding your request, Sesshomaru-sama, I'm just uncertain about my explanation,” Time to open my mouth and my insert foot. God I wish I could see his face! I ran an agitated hand over my head and ripped my ribbon out with a frustrated noise as I ruffled my bun into an unruly mane, “Just because I don't enthusiastically concede to every little impulse you may have, or worship you like Rin and Jaken do, doesn't mean that I don't have a great deal of respect for you.” I grumbled, as I drew my agitated fingers from my hair. “Despite your often abrasive manner, distrustful nature, irascible mien and reprehensible accusations,” I gave a small shrug and felt his arm rise and fall with my shoulders. “I think I trust you enough to call you friend with little fear of regretting it.” I gave a rueful smile I knew he couldn't see, “Besides,” I remarked ironically; “You are not nearly as insufferable as you were when I first met you.” He made another low noise, but I couldn't keep the humor out of my voice when I hurriedly remarked, “I know, I know watch myself or I'll get free flying lessons and an expensive landing exam.” His uncomfortable grip on my shoulder slackened and I heard an almost imperceptible sigh escape his lips as he leaned back against the tree, pulling me with him.

 

Silence reigned then, and I realized that, though I was almost uncomfortably warm in his hold, my legs were becoming quite cramped with their stationary position. The stress of the day and its toll on my body began to take. I slowly shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot several times trying to ease the tension in my limbs while ignoring the way his torso and hips rubbed against my back in the process. “Stop fidgeting, ningen.” Is voice was a rough growl and I felt his breath in my hair. Physically I went very still as my internal organs paradoxically did summersaults.

 

Aware of my precarious hostage status, and my emotional turmoil I couldn't bring myself to give him grief over his insensitivity, but my voice was as aching as I felt, “I'm sorry, Sesshomaru-sama, but it has been a long and strenuous day for me. My muscles are not used to this much abuse and I'm afraid my legs may not hold me upright much longer,” and just like that. I found myself tucked against his chest on his cross-legged lap, his arm encircling my waist. Wow, who knew this could get any more awkward? I was answered with another ghostly snicker.

 

My heart thumped against my chest like an escaping rabbit from a pack of starving wolves and I knew there was no way he couldn't feel it slamming through my veins. “I was really hoping we could return to the castle, these aerial acrobatics are really fraying my nerves, Sesshomaru-sama.”

 

“We are not finished conversing, ningen I have one last question to ask you.” His breath was warm against my ear and was far more distracting than I'd have liked. Of course we aren't, because you have no idea how insane this is making me. Bad girl! Focus on not getting pushed out of the tree, not impossible mischief with unfathomable devil dogs. What pretty snow.

 

“Fine, ask away.” I responded brusquely as I unsuccessfully urged my pulse to return to normal and hugged my arms to my chest fiercely.

 

“If you consider me your friend, are we then on affable enough terms for me to address you by your proper name?” It was as if someone sent a thousand volts of electricity through my body. I jerked away from him as much as physically possible while at the same time; I remembered vividly the first and only occasion I'd hear my name pass his lips, and the sharp thrill of joy it had given me. I felt his grip tighten in response to my adverse reaction and my mouth suddenly went dry. I momentarily lost my ability to think coherently. Obviously taking my violent reaction and silence as denial, he growled angrily has he yanked me from the tree. The ground came rushing towards us at an alarming rate. A tight squeal of terror escaped my lips as we plummeted, and then suddenly we were airborne again and conversation was prohibited by the break neck speed with which we returned to the castle as I clung to his breastplate for dear life.

 

Gah, gal ye fouled that up right proper.

 

What he startled me! What the hell does he want from me anyway? Unapproachable, creepy, irrational dog…

 

Watch yer self, lass, yer no less a bitch. The poor lad likes ye and yer not makin' it easy for him.

 

I appealed to Uacteran's more reasonable side, Mamo!

 

I agree with my fear cheile on this one, lass. Despite his surly exterior the boy likes ye and yer too harsh on him. Throw the dog a bone.

 

He didn't give me enough time to reply, and I didn't say no, besides what the hell do you guys know about it anyway?

 

I told ye, lass, the pup and I had a talk.

 

But what the hell did you say to him you green haired, pointy- eared mongrel! I felt my hands ball into angry fists.

 

`Twas nothing ye need ta know, ya ungrateful whelp, just believe the boy cares fer ya. I let out a frustrated snarl and punched the hard breastplate in front of me. The action had the unforeseen consequence of the offending hand being seized, none to gently, by the owner of said breastplate as we made an unscheduled and rough landing still several miles from the castle gates.

 

“How dare you strike me, ningen!” The angry yokai roared as he flung me into the snow with the obvious intention of leaving me there.

 

I jumped up quickly and prepared to fire an angry retort at his back. Nay, lass, listen to yer mamo, gentle words be needed here. The cautionary and soothing tone reached me through my anger, my voice was an exhausted petition, “Sesshomaru-sama, please. You can leave me in this field, and I will readily walk the rest of the way back, but hear me out first, I implore you.” His retreating back paused and I hurried on softly, “Your last question shocked me and I couldn't readily find the words to acquiesce properly. Of course if I would allow a houshi I barely know use my name…” I struggled to get past the lump in my throat and knew the bitter gag was my pride as I swallowed it, and I hung my head as I sputtered, “Then… Then you are not only welcome to do so, but it is a small slight to me each time you don't.” I heaved a heavy sigh as I finished and stood trembling with the violence of my emotions as I examined my worn boots and waited for him to depart so I could have a good cry. Well said, whelp.

 

You shut the hell up, seanathair altrama, or I'll trop this trinket down the nearest midden and to hell with your prophecy and balance. The silence dragged and my racing heart and pounding blood cooled with the frosty night. Sesshomaru's inpatient voice made me jump as I looked up to meet his inscrutable, golden eyes, “If you have calmed yourself, Donella-san, I suggest you hurry. The meal Rin has prepared is probably quite cold by now and Jaken will be unmanageable of we delay much longer.”

 

I eyed him skeptically for a moment before nodding and going to him. Softly I offered, “I find that a judiciously placed blow to the head will do wonders for Jaken's manageability, and attitude.” He gave a small chuckle and I only stiffened slightly as his steadying arm came around my shoulders as we rose into the night sky. His boa wrapped comfortingly around us and I admit to falling into a fitful doze as we continued the rest of the expedition at a more reasonable pace.

 

I was jolted to full consciousness as we arrived into the courtyard and I found myself cuddled embarrassingly in the crook of his arm while his hand rested far to easily at the small of my back. Fortunately, my sleepy discomfiture was covered by Rin's exuberant shriek as she bounded giggling towards us. Jaken's almost simultaneous and contrastingly bad-tempered greeting produced a familiar, and somehow reassuring, accompaniment.

 

The fish stew Rin had prepared was still hot and I suspected that one of Sesshomaru's directives before we left was to anticipate our return to be several hours after dark. Cocky, calculation bastard, I thought and was relieved when my mental audience remained silent.

 

Sesshomaru disappeared before our trouping band made it to the kitchen, but is aura was still close. After dinner I listened to Rin rattle on for a while about how she and Jaken had finished the laundry and remade the beds and Jaken grumbled about the indignity of a yokai of his standing having to do domestic chores. When I could no longer maintain my mask of polite interest and my meaningless encouragements for more information I raised a surrendering hand. “Rin, you did an excellent job today. Both in helping with the chores and assisting with the monk, thank you.” The little girl flushed with the praise and then stuck her tongue out at Jaken. I shook my head indulgently, “Could you go find me a hand lamp to carry to the bath?” The girl didn't bother replying as she eagerly pelted from the kitchen.

 

Standing I address the kappa, “Jaken, I am truly grateful for all of your assistance today, it was invaluable, especially during that unpleasant encounter. I want you to know, I really appreciate your level head and adherence to my instructions. You had no incentive to heed me and yet you did so with unquestioning valiance,” I gave him a very formal bow, “domo arigato gozaimashita.”

 

The toads eyes filled with tears and he grabbed my hand enthusiastically, “Donella-sama your performance today was stunning! The way you handled those ruffians was truly…” I flicked his stupid hat roughly as Rin returned holding an oil lamp gingerly.

 

“I won't have you spoil my perfectly good compliment by making me beat you, Jaken, just let it be.” I replied crossly as the confused girl looked from Jaken's tearful countenance to my dour expression.

 

Tentatively she asked, “Has Jaken-sama done something wrong, Donella-sama?” I put a reassuring palm on the toads shoulder and felt the tiny claws on his tri-digited hand cover my own as he gave it a small squeeze.

 

“No, Rin-chan, today Jaken-sama has done absolutely everything right.” I gave her an encouraging smile as I reached for the full lantern. “Now, thank you for the light, and if you two will excuse me I think a hot bath will do wonders for my frazzled nerves and sore muscles; I will bid you goodnight.”

 

“Goodnight, Donella-sama.” The girl laughed as I placed a kiss on the top of her head and wandered down the hall. For once Jaken remained speechless, Maybe I should compliment him more often, I reflected satirically.

 

 

Authors Notes:

 

Short Irish-Gaelic/English Lesson:

Mamo: grandmother

Seanathair: Grandfather

Seanmhathair: Grandmotherr

Altrama: Foster/adoptive

seanathair altrama: foster grandfather

Sin: great (familial)

Sin seanmhathair: Great-Grandmother

Leannain: Lover

Stocach: Boyfriend

fear cheile: Husband

 

Tootsiepop254:The Inu-no-Taisho of my Pomeranian Army, viva le revolution!!

 

Arvael: Updated sooner than you think, thanks for your praise and prompt review. ;)

 

feathergriffin: Thanks for your review! Donella needed a little nudge to figure it out, but I think she's /finally/ getting that Sesshou is looking at her a bit differently. Now what did Uacteran say to him. ;)

 

Tsubasa Kya: I will consider the “Botanist and the Beggar” and thank you so very much for the amazingly insightful post, sorry I haven't had a chance to reply more fully to any of my reviewers this story and life are eating all my time.

 

The Painted Lady: Keep up the keen insight and I hope you continue to enjoy the development.

 

Wandering Hitokiri: He's learning, but he's a rebellious puppy we have to be patient and keep a rolled up news paper on hand.

 

Moonprincess: I'm so glad you like the Gaelic angle, please keep reading.