InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Botanist and the Beast ❯ Chapter 15: Noodles, Served Ice Cold ( Chapter 15 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Disclaimer: Wow a disclaimer. Ok this is chapter 15, if you made it through all the other chapters then you know who, what belongs to, if you just popped onto this chapter randomly, read backwards. ^ ^
The Botanist and the Beast
Chapter 15: Noodles, Served Ice Cold
Dear Alice,
So the baby became a pig? Good for it! I some how knew it would make a better swine than a child.
-The Cheshire Cat
Some Vocabulary to help you trough the chapter:
Pog: Kiss
crann clis: Trick Tree (n) reference to a portion of male anatomy (please don't make me explain it. *blush*)
Amadan: Idiot, fool, stupid (n)
muchadh is ba ort: Smothering and drowning on you.
Nintoujo: Jaken's staff of two heads
The next few days passed fairly uneventfully. Rin loved her dolls and spent hours acting out imaginary scenes with them. Most ended ironically with Sesshomaru-sama Doll defeating Naraku or wolf yokai while standing on the Jaken-sama Doll's head, sometimes he saved her other doll Kazuko from the bandits that had ravaged the doll's home. Ironically Donella-sama Doll spent a lot of time cooking and playing in rivers and Rin wouldn't rest until I had promised to make Donella-sama Doll a little black sword and journal just like mine. “So she can write down her memories and play fight with Lord Sesshomaru-sama Doll! Donella-sama Doll can kill bad bandits too!” She exclaimed in childish glee and making my tiny double face the imaginary bandits she declare loudly, “Take your men from my home before I decide your heads would look better somewhere other than your shoulders!” I winced inwardly and, to my chagrin, I actually heard a soft chuckle from Sesshomaru, until he caught sight of his own small effigy.
His initial reaction to the toy was not as hostile as I had imagined, though still unflattering. His face became a mask of thinly veiled antipathy as he immediately claimed his soft likeness from Rin and scrutinized it, “I do not find this object amusing, ningen, This Sesshomaru will not be mocked.” He closed his fist around the doll and glared daggers at me.
I fought not to sigh in exasperation. Well, at least I anticipated this one, I thought smugly as I launched into my prepared speech, “I apologize if that is the way you interpret it, Sesshomaru-sama. It was never my intention to ridicule you; I merely wanted Rin to have something to play with until the flowers come back.” I lowered my eyes to the floor to hide my annoyance and hoped it would make me appear docile, “Where I come from we give children dolls of those we believe have exceptional traits, in order to help then adopt those same qualities through mimicry and play.”
When I paused to look up at him, Rin leaped into the fray with tears in her eyes, “Sesshomaru-sama please, stop hurting Sesshomaru-sama Doll, I love him the most of all my dolls and Donella-sama works so hard to make him the best!”
The sniffling plea had an immediate affect on the yokai. His expression instantly softened and his grip on the toy went slack. Turning to the child he gingerly handed her to doll saying severely, “Do not allow it to become dirty or treat it poorly, Rin, or I will destroy it.” In that brief sentence he made it sound simultaneously like the most precious and foulest object he had ever seen. Then he turned haughtily and stalked from the room. Rin's tears and sorrowful countenance evaporated into oblivion the second he was out of sight and she merrily returned to her game. It was the last time the topic was mentioned in his company.
Though his aura was strong throughout the castle, and he attended every evening gathering just long enough to hear my bedtime stories, Sesshomaru was markedly absent from our everyday routine. Rin and Jaken however, did not appear disturbed by his aloof behavior, but I admit I missed his company. He wasn't around much during that year I lived in the village and even traveling, it wasn't like he was a real active member of our group…I tried to push the longing away every time he popped into my mind, but unfortunately my mental studio audience made their amusement known rather loudly at the most inopportune time, and in Uacteran's situation, quite vulgarly.
For example: my evening bath. I was relaxing into the soothing heat of the water thinking, There is absolutely nothing better than a long hot soak after a hard day's work. Well, maybe a massage, how far away is the nearest masseuse,” I though idly, and considered the present date, “actually, how long until they make that a profession?” I chuckled a little at my on ridiculousness, “Oh well, swimming pool size baths are awesome. I declared to no one in particular as I sank down into the bath, when an annoying mental voice rudely interrupted my indolent musings.
Bet that white haired pup would be happy to give ye a rub down, lass, Uacteran chuckled knavishly.
I don't think I need you commenting on that particular aspect of the already confusing life I lead, I remarked peevishly.
Uacteran has a point my darlin' and that wasna handshake he gave ye t'other night. Donella replied knowingly.
It was nothing, I replied crossly, not wanting to repeat this conversation, but I couldn't help the sharp thrill that ran up my spine over the memory.
Gah! Who ya lyin' the blarney on ta lass? The lad pog's ye and ya say it's nothin'! What does he havta do, whack ye with his crann clis befer ya notice? The disgust in is voice annoyed me slightly less than his crass metaphors.
I know you're a dog but try to think with something besides your own crann clis for a second. I sneered, it barely qualified as a kiss, he had a reason; it meant nothing, I mentally yelled, but even I felt the lady was protesting too much. Uacteran interjected with several more lewd remarks, and after yelling at him to leave me alone a few more times, an uneasy silence descended, but by then the tranquility of my bath was ruined and I called it a night.
I had been rather hesitant to spar with Sesshomaru again but his prolonged truancy and my mamo's hounding finally had me back in the guardhouse two days before New Years going through my katas. Focus me darlin', the more control ye have the easier it will be fer ya ta use the power at will. Donella's restful voice was a nice counterpoint to Uacteran's snide instructions.
Gah, lass, ye wield that pig sticker like ye are afraid of yer own shadow! T'sn't a wonder ye dinna go fer the lad! Yer a cowered! Donella, we should go back ta sleep, we waited too long, yer blood's fire t'was burned out of this line generations back! I tried to ignore him, but his verbal abuse was maddening and I continued to get more and more frustrated with him as I struggled to focus on the measured and precise moves. Finally I stopped and bellowed into the empty room. “What the hell do you want me to do you heckling brute?”
Aye there's a spark in ye yet lass, but ye still havena got the fire burnin' where's rage, where's yer passion?An incredibly vivid image of Rin in front of my hut popped into my mind's eye, the bandit's sword tearing through her exposed stomach and her tiny, pain-filled cry made my heart ache and a violent need to strike back fill my stomach. Aye, better, lass, now use the anger. Focus it inta yer sword like ye did before with yer fear and frustration. Another memory followed the first. This time I saw Sesshomaru ensnared and screaming in Byakuya's glowing trap and then yet another of him wounded, week and unable to stand. My grip on my sword tighten, I felt the power flow through me as I started the kata over again. Uacteran continued his taunting but I ignored him as I focused on the practice dummy and, with a burning memory of my enemies before me, I thought only of my weapon going through the shape like a hot knife through butter.
Then the unexpected happened. Sesshomaru's aura rolled over me like an arctic wave just as my sword touched the mannequin's armor. The sudden knowledge that he was there watching distracted me and fear rushed through me as I worried he would try to spar with me again. My panic made me lose my focus, and the mock-up at my swords edge exploded in a shower of armor and straw. Trembling I lowered my blade and surveyed the damage.
The dojo was covered in debris and I could feel pieces of the dummy in my hair, covering my kimono and a thin layer of grime from the dusty hay lay all over the exposed skin of my arms and face. I sighed heavily, “If that had been living flesh this would be really disgusting.” I muttered to no one in particular.
Aye, lass, but doin' somethin' `tis better than doin' nothin', ye'll get the knack fer it yet, lass. That took a lot out o' yer mamo and me though.
“An impressive display, Donella-san,” Sesshomaru's chilly voice caused me to turn and face the door, blushing a little over my disheveled state.
The force of the blast had pulled several locks of my hair out of my bun entirely, as the ribbon and the remains of the coif dangled haphazardly at the back of my head. “Unfortunately, this was not my desired effect, Sesshomaru-sama.” I remarked with a rueful wave at the wreckage. He made no response, and after a few silent minutes, I sheathed my weapon and began removing the mannequin's remains with a broom.
It took me a half an hour to clean the guardhouse. Dillegently, Sesshomaru kept silent watch the entire time and I tried to ignore his stoic existence as assiduously. When I returned the broom to its customary corner I again glimpsed my filthy arm. God I'm filthy! Blushing a deep scarlet and moving to the occupied exit I muttered shyly to the mute bystander, “If you'll excuse me, Sesshomaru-sama, I wish to go clean myself up.”
He didn't reply, but before I could push past him, Tenseiga was drawn and I was knocked back to the center of the room. Reflexively, I withdrew my wakizashi and took a defensive stance, “I do not wish to fight you, Sesshomaru-sama.” I made my voice an angry warning, as my stomach was pinched tightly in dreads icy grip. I don't want to hurt you.
“At this moment, what you wish is inconsequential, ningen.” He remarked calmly as he charged. He meticulously blocked the room's only exterior egress, giving me no choice. His attack was as furious as it was swift and allowed me no prospects for retreat. I quickly lost patience with the exercise and my fear evaporated under the pressure of my resentful wrath. I suddenly changed my defensive tactic, kicking out towards his feet as I aimed a cut at his torso.
My ploy had the desired effect; he jumped back and gave me a few precious seconds to think. Balling all of my confused emotions up and focusing them on a point directly in front of me I thought, BACK OFF!
Predictably, he lunged forward to renew his attack, and was repelled with enough force to shake the building and knock him clear through the exterior wall and across the courtyard to land at the laundry door. I heard my sword clatter to the guardhouse floor as, in a horrified fog, I ran through the newly fashioned outlet intent on reaching his side.
Yet, he had other plans, with an angry roar he stood and charged me again. Turning to run back into the dojo I tripped over debris from the wall and sprawled forward onto the wreckage and felt my head make painful contact with a jagged tile. I DO NOT WANT TO DIE! I thought fervently as I felt his sword-generated wind on my back. A bright glow surrounded me then, and just like Byakuya's flame, I felt Sesshomaru's sword brush the skin of my barrier as it was deflected. Aye! Ye did well, lass! Uacteran's weak voice overflowed will pride and Donella's congratulatory approval ran through me, just before my world shrank into a black void of unconsciousness.
I woke to darkness and after a few, hazy moments; I realized I was in my own bed. My head hurt terribly as I struggled to sit up, but the pain brought me further from my stupor into the real world. I hear a low moan escape my lips. Suddenly a strong hand was supporting my back and a rich baritone voice spoke from the darkness, “You hit your head very hard, Donella-san, if you are still in pain you should not move.”
Remembering the events leading up to said head injury I remarked crossly, “Since my condition is a direct result of your actions, I don't think I care to hear your opinion on the matter, Sesshomaru-sama.” I leaned away from his fortifying embrace and scrambled to my feet. I was grateful to find my equilibrium was not marred by nausea or dizziness as I carefully moved from the bedside to the table and lit the lamp. The sudden illumination hurt my eyes; taking up the hand mirror I carefully watched my pupils dilate. I wish I had a flashlight, but it looks like I was saved a concussion. I sighed my relief and sat in the nearby chair. Sesshomaru coolly claimed to seat next to me and the fact that he remained rankled me, “Why are you still here?” I asked in a quarrelsome tone, simultaneously elated and angered by his presence.
Instead of the answering my question he countered with one of his own, “You have been unconscious since yesterday morning. How are you feeling?” I gave him a hard look. As if you care!
“I feel like I've been trampled upon by an asinine yokai and then struck on the head with a rock. However, I don't appear to have a concussion, so I was probably spared any lasting impairment.” I answered harshly. “Do you have anymore empty inquiries, Sesshomaru-sama?”
“Indeed, I will assume hunger is causing your inappropriate decorum, perhaps sustenance will improve your manners and sense of propriety.” Yes, I am ravenous and you are the last person I want to see right now. I am also chilly. I thought distractedly as I looked down at my cloths, someone had managed to bathe and redress me in my sleeping yukata while I had been unconscious. A slow blush crept into my cheeks when I thought about whom, and decided instantly I'd rather remain ignorant and find something else to think about. Don't think about bath time with Fido; think about rice, or chicken, grilled steak, Elvis, cats, wow I have got to pee!
“Rin has made a large quantity of noodles in honor of the New Year and she was quite eager to have you present for dinner, however, that time has long since past. I believe Rin and Jaken are outside now building a large bonfire in eager anticipation of dawn.”
“Oh my God! Today is New Years! Rin will be terribly disappointed of I don't join them.” I stood quickly, and he mirrored my action, offering my robe to me.
I took it self-consciously and waited for him to depart, but he continued to wait mutely. Oh brother do I have to actually ask him to leave? “If I am going to join the others in awaiting the sunrise, Sesshomaru-sama, I will need to dress.” Get the hint, God, get the hint, and please, if you've previously seen me naked just leave and take the knowledge to your grave. I really have to pee. I thought fervently. The awkward silence dragged as he gave me a brooding look.
“Indeed, you will find everyone in the courtyard when you are prepared,” his reply was halting, but the words finally made their ponderous journey past his vocal cords. The silence and his serous air had begun to grate on my nerves, but the moment he finished speaking he strode from the room. Despite the Ice Prince's departure, the whole place felt colder and less bright for the absence.
I cautiously counted to four hundred before I felt comfortable enough to use the chamber pot. After, I dressed quickly in the obi and kimono he had given me so many moths ago. I brushed my hair out carefully and took one last conceited look into the mirror before I donned my douchuugi, cloak and made my way to the shiro's main entrance. Just outside the gate burned an enormous bonfire.
I could see the four shadowy figures of my companions outlined by its crimson glow. They even let Ah-Un out of the stables. I smiled warmly at the thoughtfulness. Despite the barbs, complaints and abuses they really were a very close-knit group, and I am still an outsider, unable to go home and not quite able to find an easy harmony with this new family of min. Rin loves me as much as I love her, Ah-Un is easy to understand and even Jaken has grown to respect me a little… Sesshomaru. Hot and cold in the blink of an eye, what do I have to do to make my peace with you?
My bruises made my movement stiff and ginger as I walked to meet them, lost in my musings. Rin's cheerful voice cried out in greeting, and it pulled me back into the real world. I looked up expecting her to leap into my arms and I braced to catch her, but Sesshomaru laid a restraining hand on the girls shoulder before she could launch herself at me. Jaken gave me a silent nod, but tears shown in his eyes and I appreciated his uncharacteristic silence as I patted Ah and Un's heads in greeting. The silly beast gave me happy bunts in welcome as Rin tugged on my cloak to get my attention.
“Donella-sama! Rin is so, very, very glad you are all right! Rin made noodles to make you healthy for the New Year!” The girl enthusiastically offered me the brimming bowl of cold noodles. Despite their temperature, I devoured the food uncomplainingly as we all idly watched the horizon and the blazing fire.
Setting my bowl aside I smiled and said, “The noodles were delicious, Rin, and this blaze is truly enormous, who built it?”
“I did, Donella-sama, I hope it will be enough to keep Rin and yourself from becoming ill in this cold.” I laughed merrily at Jaken's worried tone; the blaze was actually becoming uncomfortably hot. I removed my unnecessary outer garments and placed them carefully next to the discarded bowl, with a condescending look at his bewildered and vexed expression.
Favoring Jaken with a broad grin I said, “I swear, Jaken, the way you talk, I expect Rin and I to be so fragile the next strong wind will shatter us.” I rested an affectionate hand on his shoulder, and continued to beam down at the cross look he bore, “I promise you, my friend, we are far tougher than we look.” His angry scowl deepened into a low pout.
“I know that well, Donella-sama, it just…” The toad stumbled over his thought until he frowned crabbily and abruptly blurted, “Damn it, woman, I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable. Stop incessant complaining at once or I will set you ablaze with my Nintoujo.” I gave the cross little yokai another friendly squeeze before murmuring softly “Yes, Jaken-sama,” He harrumphed is reply but his shoulders relaxed under my hand.
Looking towards the slowly brightening east I said wistfully, “I wish just one of the watchtowers was still standing, we'd be able to get a truly spectacular view of the sunrise from the top of one.”
“Silly, woman, why not just stand on top of the Shiro. It's taller than the watchtowers anyway.” I returned Jaken's scoffing tone with my biggest smile I could manage.
“If I could figure out how to get up there, and stay up there, without breaking my neck on those icy tiles…” I gave him an emphatic nod, “You'd better believe I'd be curled right up next to the chimney.”
“You led be to believe you where uncomfortable at great altitudes, ningen.” Sesshomaru's unexpected remark made me look in his direction shrewdly.
“I adore heights, Sesshomaru-sama. What I objected to so adamantly was being thrown around a tree like a monkey's plaything.” I'm not Jane in a trashy Tarzan novel you over grown schipperke, I thought uncharitably as I pointedly turned from him to face the false dawn once more. My indignant rejoinder must have struck a nerve. The next thing I knew, I was lifted roughly by the back of my obi, flung over a fur padded shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and launched into the early morning air. A yip of surprise escaped me as his shoulder pressed into my solar plexus. Second later we halted at the aforementioned pinnacle of the shiro's frozen roof and I was rudely liberated from his shoulder to wobble precariously on the icy tiles. He watched me with an amused look in his eyes, as with my heart pounding, I finally managed to sit. Hugging my legs close, I looked down towards the east field and the blazing bonfire with its three tiny attendants.
The wind at that altitude was biting, causing my eyes to water and my body quiver uncontrollably. However, the view was even more stunning in the predawn light than I had anticipated. For a second I thought about my outer garments back at the fire, but only hugged my legs tighter and said through chattering teeth, “Arigato, Sesshomaru-sama,” though my stuttering words made his name sound like a snake like jumble of S's. He gave a small chuckle as he lowered himself to my position. If I ask him to take me back down to get my cloak, he probably won't want to bring me back up here. I sighed and he took pity on me. That wonderful swatch of fur wrapped around my shoulders and around my body, swathing me in its fuzzy warmth. I was suddenly exceedingly grateful for his company.
Moments later my trembling subsided and the first rosy glow of dawn lightened the distance. “Arigato, Sesshomaru-sama, that is truly the most beautiful New Year's sunrise I have ever seen.” I murmured softly. My heart nearly stopped and I went immediately rigid as the fur mantle constricted around me at my words, and pulled me into his side. He didn't look down as I felt his arm extend around me, and his clawed hand came to rest on my hipbone. The first coherent thoughts that made their way through the panicked, fluttering gibberish of my mind was, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!!!! He's not wearing his armor, he's so warm; this is nice, I should stop this.
Yet, before I could act on that last impulse my mamo was screaming in my mind, Amadan girl! Let him be, enjoy this, or so help me I'ma disownin' ye, an' lettin' Uacteran waste every last breath of power we have yellin' at ye an muchadh is ba ort! Her words and uncharacteristic venom reached me. With a great deal of effort I forced my body to relax into his side and thought at her, Fine I'll leave it be, but what dose he want now? I only received a barbed silence in response.
The suns rays where starting to light up the valley and I heard Rin laugh heartily as she and Jaken led Ah-Un back to the stables. Jaken's cross voice reverberated off the building, but, though his tone was harsh, his words were indiscernible to me as he addressed the girl briefly. Their conversation was soon muffled by their passage into the stables.
“My stratagem the other morning did not transpire the way I expected it too, Donella-san. I did not intend for you to be injured…” He paused and my heart again took up its prior fearful tattoo. I suddenly felt guilty for the uncharitable comments I had made in my room; He's trying to apologize?
The I kept my eyes carefully trained on the snow driven field before us, but bewilderment spurred me into speech, “Sesshomaru-sama, I must express my regret for outburst this morning. The truth is I have been shamefully remiss of my sword practice. The beings that reside in my bracelet warned me that if I did not learn the self-discipline of swordsmanship correctly, I could not hope to wield the power they wish to bestow upon me. The incident yesterday only goes to prove that point. I suffered injury due to my own clumsiness and irresponsible behavior and it was justly deserved for my negligence. I am, nevertheless, deeply sorry for any harm I may have caused you as well.” I heaved a sigh as I finished my speech, hoping he would not continue the uncomfortable topic. Though, an apology was warranted, the very idea of his doing so distressed me unreasonably.
I felt his claws dig a little into my hip as his hand reflexively clenched against some deep agitation. I looked up to face his dour countenance, “Baka, ningen, I goaded you into a conflict you professed you did not desire, it was my intention to draw your power out and force you to use it against me to assuage my curiosity. The fault of your injury lies entirely with me.” This is completely ridiculous! Why do I feel guilty for making him feel guilty? We stared at each other for several moments as I contemplated his golden orbs with rapt fascination and a perverse sense of remorse.
So that's what they mean when the poets talk about `eyes you can get lost in', I wanted to kiss him again and swallowed hard against the suicidal thought, I am doomed. I turned away first, hooking my left arm around his back and giving his waist a gentle squeeze instead. I was surprised he allowed the contact, but remembering my mamo's threats I let it be. Closing my eyes against the dazzling brightness of the sun's rays on the pristine snow I said pragmatically, “Well then, Sesshomaru-sama, friends must often agree to disagree. I take comfort knowing that the event is in the past and need not be discussed again.” I felt his hand relax against my hip and heard an inaudible sigh escape his lungs. If I weren't right up next to him I never would have recognized that. Who knew he could do something so human as to sigh?
Does that mean he's relieved, happy, content perhaps? It was my turn to exhale, but my sigh was heavy and full of exasperation and self-recrimination. I didn't need my peanut gallery to curse me with drowning and smothering, I ordered myself to stop over thinking. “Do you wish to go back?” Sesshomaru's voice broke into my thoughts and I lazily turned to face his profile. No, never, I want to stay up on this frozen roof cuddled up to you for eternity. God, I am a fool!
I gave him a shrewd look before responding, “I have been considering the possibility, Sesshomaru-sama but I am hesitant to do so if I cannot manage to abandon this perch in a more dignified manner than I arrived.”
“Hmm, that is indeed a substantial dilemma, Donella-san.” He remarked smoothly.
I turned away and tried again, “Perhaps, if it would not over burden you, Sesshomaru-sama, you could aid me in that endeavor?”
“I require a few moments to consider it.” He replied tersely but his fuzzy shroud wrapped more firmly around me, and while he studiously continued to watch the landscape, I saw a corner of his mouth twitch upward briefly.
Is he teasing me? The idea seemed ridiculous in my own mind and yet, I could not shake the distinct impression that I was being mocked. “As you wish, Sesshomaru-sama, but please be advised, I find this posture quite comfortable. If I remain in this position for much longer I may fall asleep again.”
“You would not.” He replied placidly, and this time when I turned to him with my eyebrow raised inquiringly, he met my gaze.
“Would I not? Please, enlighten me, Sesshomaru-sama, what is the basis for your conjecture?” My tone was light, but my eyes searched his for clues into his psyche. For just a moment, I thought I saw them cloud almost regretfully.
“You would not place yourself so completely at my mercy, nin… Donella-san.” His stumbling, but matter of fact statement caused me to give him a considering look.
“Hmm, your opinion is,” I gave him a small, taunting smile and mimicked his thoughtful pause, “interesting, Sesshomaru-sama.”
He gave me a sharp look, “You deny it, ningen?” Oh, back to name calling, I've struck a nerve. I thought to no one in particular, but my unwanted audience remained pointedly silent and I felt a little reckless without their censure. Well, the worst that could happen is he'll push me off the roof, let us poke the big, bag doggy a little bit more. I smirked impishly.
“I merely said that I found your assertion to be intriguing. Though honestly, I find it does not warrant denial, nor agreement.”
“Explain yourself.” He commanded testily and his sharp diktat cautioned me to proceed with care.
“The instances I have been completely at your mercy since I came to this time are innumerable. So to say that I would not willingly place myself in that position is a fallacy. After all, I have slept soundly it hostile circumstances with you as my only protection before. If I do not say, `here is my life, Sesshomaru-sama, I place it in your hands,' or swear my person to you and your cause, it is only because I wish to rely on my own strength and intelligence first. Not because I doubt your guardianship or munificence towards me.” The familiarity of this topic vexed me, The same conversation, over and over again what does he expect me to say? I have told him I trust him and his judgment, I have told him I do not feel threatened by his person and I know he will not intentionally injure me. What more could he possibly want me to say? I clenched my fists in aggravation and I knew my Mamo and Uacteran where both annoyed with me, but I could not fathom why, and they remained infuriatingly silent. Damn his suspicious nature and damn you both for your smug, recriminating silence. If you have something to say, then say it and me done! I railed, but the silence persisted.
“I see.” He replied, his voice once more as smooth and impenetrable as onyx glass.
My ill contained indignation transferred itself into restive energy, “Sesshomaru-sama, please may we return to the courtyard? I wish to practice my sword.” I could not keep my agitation from lacing my comment with an acidic taint and I winced at my own boorish mien, but he ignored it.
“Donella-san, sing that song for me and then we shall go,” My childishness melted a little into bemused frustration as I gave him a measuring, perplexed look. How incredibly random! I've only sung a trillion songs in his company `that song' could be any of them.
“Which song do you mean?” I replied uncertainly, again he graced me with that miniscule smirk that caused my internal organs to engage in autonomous acrobatics and all annoyance was fulminated from my system by the force of it.
“The song with the questionable lyrics, Donella-san,” that startled me a little and I gave him and inquiring look, which he returned with blank impassiveness and dancing eyes. I gave him a slow, quizzical nod, but sang, `Beautiful Disaster' anyway. When I had finished he wordlessly stood with his arm still around me, dragging me to my feet as he silently pulled me to him. With one graceful leap, I found myself gently transported to the earth once more.
Pressed against his body, with his arm still securely wrapped around my waist and looking up into his enigmatic face, it was easy to pretend the jump was what made my heart pound so frantically and the cold that made me tremble. God, I really do want to kiss him! I thought idiotically.
Best do it quick, lass, `afore ye lose yer nerves, I was startled by Donella's eager words of encouragement, but I was saved from any impulsive actions by his arm withdrawing and him taking swift step back. The disappointment of the lost opportunity annoyed and frustrated me groundlessly, even more so that I knew that mine was not the only displeasure I felt and my great grandparents made there own disapproval felt. You know there are plenty of families that would discourage me from shamefully throwing myself into the arms of a foreign dog demon at the first available opportunity. I thought crossly.
Before I could address Sesshomaru, however, I heard Rin's pounding feet and giggling approach, “Sesshomaru-sama! Donella-sama! Rin thought you would stay up there forever!” The child exuberance and obvious vexation made me smile conspiratorially at Sesshomaru before I turned to the scurrying child.
“What a fantastic idea, Rin-chan, I will just move to the rooftop and forgo such annoying tasks as telling stories to pesky little girls.” My facetious words stopped her dead in her tracks. I watched her eyes widened in alarm and she dramatically threw both her hands over the O of surprise her mouth had developed. A small chuckle was emanated from the yokai at my back and her face took on a calculating look.
“Would Sesshomaru-sama take me to visit you on the roof?” She asked fixing her eyes on a point above my own face and to the right of my shoulder. I turned to see Sesshomaru give her a condescending glower.
“Absolutely not,” He replied coolly and Rin gave a gasp of horror.
“Please, Donella-sama, don't do it! You promised you would never leave Rin again and I would cry so very much!” She threw herself at my side and wrapped her arms around me in a fierce hug. Looking down at her earnest features I gave a hearty bark of laughter.
“Alas, Hotaru, that roof is far too drafty to live on, so you are well and truly stuck with me.” The girl giggled merrily and jumped awkwardly up at my face making a loud kissing noise before landing and racing to the Shiro steps.
“Donella-sama! Please come and play with me and my dolls! They are going to kill ogres!” She exclaimed deviously as she rubbed her hands together in eager anticipation of the mock battle, causing me to laugh again.
“Blood thirsty imp! You spend too much time with Jaken listening to trumped up war stories, I'll play…” I was not allowed to finish my stipulated assent as Sesshomaru's sharp voice cut through the conversation.
“Rin, you will have to play with Donella-san another day, she must accompany me on a short journey.” Instead of becoming upset by his words the little girl broke down into helpless hilarity as Sesshomaru and I watched in silent confusion.
When her laughter finally ceased to reverberate from the surrounding walls Sesshomaru stepped towards the merry adolescent and demanded coolly, “Rin, what do you find so humorous?”
She gave him a serious look that belied her childish mien and tender years, “Nothing very much Sesshomaru-sama, but you called her, Donella-san!” She covered her mouth again and gave a short giggle, eye dancing. His face was hidden it shadow but I heard a slow exhalation of air escape Sesshomaru as if he were fighting to contain some deep emotion.
“Go pack that satchel of yours for a journey, ningen, I warn you, do not bring more than you must. Rin, go fetch Jaken.” I gave him a rebellious look as the girl scampered off, and opened my mouth to voice my objection, but he interrupted again, “You say you are not suffering from a head injury, therefore you do not need to rest. You also made it quite clear you are not content to be left here and I will not have you departing in my absence. Also your control over that bauble is uncertain and you bear careful watch. I will brook no contest on this, ningen. Unless you wish to leave this place with only the cloths on your back, I suggest you do not waste your time arguing and busy yourself gathering your things.” I gave him one last murderous glare and huffed into the shiro.
What about Rin and Jaken, who will look after them if we are both gone? I worried as I shoved a random kimono into my pack and proceeded to gather my medical supplies. What if that witch and her mercenaries come, back, what if Masuyo tells his master we are here and comes hunting Sesshomaru again? I fretted and agonized all through my chore and finally Donella's clear voice cut into my chaotic fears, Gah! Child, I am an old woman have some respect an' let me sleep! The frog and the lass will be fine without ye ta mollycoddle them, they did it before ye arrived an' they'll do fine anon. Now pack! Yer stocach's waitin' and he's nay a patient hound.
He's not my stocach! I growled as I continued to bang about my task, violently burning off my frustration on the draws and cupboards of my room before placing my wakizashi securely in my obi and retrieving my douchuugi and cloak from were Jaken had placed them. Still muttering dire threats against all yokai kind, I threw the garments on haphazardly as I stomped down the hall and back out into the noon sun and with my backpack.
He was still standing where I had left him, unmoving as the grave while Jaken busily scrambled about his person securing the ties to his armor. Even though he had made it clear I was to back quickly my prompted return seen to insight him to anger. He directed it at the kappa, “Jaken,” his voice carried an avalanche's cold inescapable death, “Do you not understand the speed intimated in the word quickly, or are you just incapable of producing it?” The poor toad squeaked fearfully and increased his frantic pace while trying to babble apologize and excuses. I winced for him, but remained studiously silent as he finished his task and scampered to a groveling position at his lord's feet, still muttering his obsequious apologies.
I can only say that it was prolonged exposure to the toad, because though he now treated me with a measure of deference, his real nature had not change over much in the near two years since our meeting. However, when Sesshomaru gave him a forceful kick I could not keep my heart from going out to the pathetic little kappa, nor the furious glare I directed at his master as I clenched my fists at my side.
Still, when I spoke my voice lacked the recrimination in my glower. In fact, it was as cold and dead as Sesshomaru's, “You led me to believe you were in a hurry to depart and yet now you are wasting time with this unwarranted persecution of Jaken. Please make up your mind soon, the passage of time may mean nothing to you, but it is quite precious to one such as I.” I admit I was being obnoxious in order to draw his attention away from the poor, cowering toad under his foot. Nevertheless, even bullies like Jaken deserve a break, and I was fairly sure Sesshomaru wasn't going to kick me.
Instead the silent fiend carefully lifted his boot from Jaken's head, turned in the most pompous manner possible, and marched towards the open gate with an imperial air. Well la de da! I thought irreverently. Feeling like a naughty schoolgirl, I rolled my eyes at his back and helped the whimpering mass of sycophantic kappa goop from the ground. “Woman, I do not need you're help! Baka! You should hurry to catch up to Sesshomaru-dono. Don't you dare keep him waiting! Why he wants such a meddlesome pest as yourself to accompany him instead of me…” I tuned out his idiotic ranting as I gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze and murmured, “Take care of Rin and yourself, Jaken, I'm sure whatever this is it won't take long,” before I followed the asocial yokai lord out the gate. God, please make this a very short trip.
Author's Notes:
Thanks to everyone who reads with or without reviews you all rock! I hope this chapter, though a bit rushed stands up to my previous work!
And to the reviewers, who remind me not to stop no matter what:
Tootsipop254:The awesomeness continues have fun feeding everybody Seymour!
Tsubasa Kya: Thank you for the well wishes and I am glad I could surprise you!
Mmoirai: Wow 15 reviews in one day on two sites!!! I feel so loved. Thanks so much!!!
Arvael, The Painted Lady, Suki dah Turdle, Phoenix Nephthys, Heavenly Tempest, Moonprincess, Sueariel, InuDstories, firefarire93, FulleLover, Inusbabe, JamminChick93613: Thanks so much for the Mad Love!I will most definitely give you all better responses this weekend when I reply to my reviews but I wanted to rush 15 out while I had time!