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.

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 Botanist and the Beast

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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

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 yer 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 the
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 were 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 were 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 were 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 the moment! Please, forgive the typos and grammer I will edit when I have more time.