Chapter 2:
It was around mid-day the next day when a message was sent to Cobra to attend the demon lord.
They had just been about to sit down for some of Kaede's stew, when they heard the village children shouting and laughing.
"Now what has set them off, I wonder?" Kaede mumbled.
Mavis got up and stuck her head out of the door. She turned, laughing.
"That silly little imp is heading this way. Kirsty, Briar, you have to see this."
They joined Mavis in the doorway to watch Jaken's progress through the village.
The small, green imp was promenading along the main road with the Staff of Two Heads held before him. He kept his gaze fixed straight ahead and gave a disdainful sniff at the children gamboling about him. His air of self-importance made even the adults snigger behind their hands. When he reached Kaede's door, he stopped and banged the end of the staff against the ground.
"I have a message for Lady Cobra."
Kirsten stepped forward, trying very hard not to laugh. "I am she."
The imp's round yellow eyes grew rounder, if that was possible, and his tiny three-fingered hands gripped the Staff more tightly.
"L-lord Sesshomaru asks that you attend him at the tree where you parted company yesterday."
"I will come immediately."
"What about something to eat?" Briareus said to her.
"I can wait, Briar. It would not do to keep the demon lord waiting at this point."
Briar nodded his head. "Shall I come with you?"
"Not at this point. If Sesshomaru is going to come back with us, I will explain to him about you so he has some warning. I don't want him attacking you because you smell different."
Briar frowned. "I am not happy about this, Kirsten. I promised Jonathan…"
"I know. But if Sesshomaru did not intend to deal with me honorably, he would simply have attacked the village. He would not have sent his vassal. Now, go in and eat while the food's still hot, Briar. I will be fine."
Mavis brought Kirsten her sword harness, and watched as the mutant slipped it on. Briareus checked the harness for her, making sure all the straps were tight, but not binding. He patted her shoulder when he had finished.
"You're good to go."
"Thanks, Briar." She gave them a brief smile before stepping away from Kaede's hut. "Alright, Jaken. I'm ready."
Jaken turned and began to parade away. Kirsten felt silly following after the little imp, who was taking this duty very seriously. She shrugged and rolled her eyes. If it made him happy….
OoOoOo
Sesshomaru was standing under the tree, gazing across the meadow, watching as Kirsten came towards him. A corner of his mouth quirked upwards again.
She was…interesting, this strange little woman. That she was involved with his brother, he had no doubts, for he could smell the scent of the half-breed on her, faint as it was. Her body language was indeed that of a warrior, and a superiour one at that. He watched as she surreptitiously scanned the area with the ease of long practice. Her nostrils flared as his scent wafted towards her. Oh yes – she had talents, this woman. She was everything she said she was, and more.
Sesshomaru waited until she was within swordsreach before he gave her a correct inclination of his head. She bowed in return.
"You wished to speak with me, Lord Sesshomaru."
"Indeed. I have come to a decision on the matter we discussed."
She waited patiently for him to continue.
"I wish to come with you to see what can be done in terms of replacing my arm. Jaken…the payment."
The imp laid aside the Staff and ran into some dense shrubbery, emerging a moment later, lugging a chest that he could barely move. He flipped the lid open to reveal the contents.
Kirsten sucked in her breath. "My lord is too generous. This exceeds the necessary amount."
"Ah – but I have taken into consideration the cost of housing and feeding myself and my two retainers. I have… special requirements."
"I am sure we will do our best to accommodate those requirements, lord. However, it is still too much."
Sesshomaru was quite satisfied with her answer. Although she was fascinated by the display of fine silks, spices and jewels that lay within the chest, she was not tempted by them.
"I insist that this be taken as payment."
"Then, my lord, we will take only what is required. I trust you have no objections if the excess is used to help others in need."
"As you will." He waved at Jaken to close the chest. "There is the matter of transport."
"I am unable to take you to Canada through normal channels, my lord. Therefore, I have arranged … an alternative form of transport. I have colleagues who are not human who will transport us on their ship. This will take some hours, as they must come and go under the cover of darkness. There is a difference of time between here and my home. We will have use of their lounge for the ten to twelve hours we must be on board. However, private rooms are available if you wish to sleep or if you wish to have respite from the company of the others that will be travelling with us."
"Who is travelling with us?"
"Your brother's friends: Miroku, Sango, Shippo, and the cat, Kirara. I believe you are acquainted with them."
Sesshomaru's lip curled the tiniest bit. "Yes, indeed I am. Thank you, a private room sounds like a good idea."
"My employer, the Lady Tayne vas-Milan, has offered her home as accommodation for you and your staff. She will put her housekeeper and her driver at your disposal. I would take you into my own home, my lord, but I haven't enough room. As well, I have your brother staying with me, and I'm not certain you wish to share a roof with him at this time."
Sesshomaru's lip curled a tiny bit more. "If you wish to continue having a roof, it is a wise idea not to house us together."
Kirsten smothered a laugh. "Indeed, sir." She eyed the demon lord carefully.
Sesshomaru made certain that his body language said he was relaxed, although cautious. He was rather enjoying the verbal and non-verbal conversation he was having with this strange female. He sat down under the tree as he had the day before and pointed to the ground before him, indicating that she might sit as well. She inclined her head and graciously accepted his invitation. For a moment, he regretted that they were not in his ancestral home, that he might show her that he could be a proper host and offer refreshment.
He listened carefully as she explained about the cyborg-ship and the people who operated it. He was fascinated by the concept, although he had a mental picture of a boat that sailed through the air, and he knew that that could not be correct. He nodded his head gravely when Kirsten explained the cultural background of Briareus and his crew and asked if he would temporarily accept Mavis as his female. At the curl in his lip, she hastened to add that it was simply a formality, and he would not be expected to do anything other than escort Mavis on and off the ship.
"And yourself?" he inquired. "Who is your protector?"
"The Krajan is my protector until he can give me back into the care of my mate. Briareus and I have used this arrangement many times in the past – it is nothing new to us."
"And there is no difficulty regarding Rin and Jaken?"
"Not at all, my lord. In my time, it is customary to arrange child care for our children. I have a nanny - a person who is employed to look after children - that I share with another colleague. Rin can be placed with her during the day, unless you require that she be kept at your side. We also have child care facilities at my place of employment where she can stay with other children.
"As far as Jaken goes, my lord, he can attend you or stay at Lady Tayne's home, whichever you prefer. All I ask is that he abide by our rules and cooperate with me and my staff. There are many hazards in my world that could seriously injure or even kill an unwary being, and I should not like anything to happen to your retainers or yourself while you are with us. I shall be assigning several of my own staff to attend to you while you are on the company premises and can do the same for Jaken."
Sesshomaru nodded his head in satisfaction. He was surprised that Cobra would even care about the safety of his retainers, but she seemed quite adamant on the subject. Although he himself threatened Jaken with death and dismemberment on an almost daily basis, he could never bring himself to seriously hurt the little imp. It was a failing in him, he was sure, but there it was.
The thought of having other humans around him any time he left the confines of his hostess' home rankled a little bit, but he saw the necessity. Best to have a guide in unfamiliar territory until he became accustomed to how things were done. If his brother could make his way in this world of Cobra's, he had no doubt that he could do so as well.
"These arrangements seem acceptable," he said. "For now."
"We aim for flexibility, my lord. Arrangements can be altered as befits circumstances."
He nodded his head. "And when may we leave?"
"This very day, if you like. Your brother's companions are ready to go on a moment's notice – indeed, they have had several days to prepare. We should, however, leave after dark. I have explained the necessity of using the cover of darkness for our transportation."
"I am ready now. I will meet you by the Bone-eater's Well, then, at an hour past sundown."
Kirsten got to her feet and bowed. "We shall be waiting, Lord Sesshomaru."
OoOoOo
True to his word, Sesshomaru showed up at the Bone-eater's Well at the appointed time. Mavis and Cobra were waiting for him, but there was no one else in sight.
"We have taken the others across already, my lord."
"I see."
Cobra smiled at the small girl clinging to Sesshomaru's hakama.
"You must be Rin," she said. "Are you excited to be going on another adventure?"
"Oh, yes! Lord Sesshomaru says that there will be other children there."
"Yes. I have a son younger than you. He's looking forward to meeting you."
"Really?"
"Oh yes. There are lots and lots of things he's planning to show you."
Rin's pretty face lit up with excitement.
"First of all, though, we have to get you through the Well."
Kirsten held out her hand and the small child took it without hesitation. She stood the child up on the lip of the Well and put an arm about her waist to keep her from slipping as she pointed downwards.
"You are going to have to hold hands with Mavis and Jaken, and then you're going to jump into the Well."
"But I'll get hurt!"
"Oh no!" Kirsten laughed. "You won't even see the bottom of the Well here. There'll be a funny blue light and things will look strange for a moment – but don't let go of Mavis' hand, okay? When you do touch the bottom of the Well, it will be on the other side, in my time, and you'll come down light as a feather. There'll be someone on the other side to help you climb out, and then you'll be where Kagome lives."
"Really?"
"Yes. Kagome isn't there right now – she's at my home in Canada. But her mommy will be there. She's made special treats for everyone while we wait for the ship we're going to ride in. And you'll get to meet Kagome's little brother."
"Oh!" Rin's eyes were wide. "Can we go right now?"
"You sure can. Jaken, I'll need you to step up here and take the hands of Mavis and Rin. Don't let go until Mavis says it's alright."
The little imp was shaking with nerves. "Must I, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Jaken…do as Cobra bids you. You will be safe, on my honour."
"Yes, my lord. What about the Staff?"
"Give it here, Jaken," Kirsten said. "I'll stick it in my sword harness and take it across for you. Don't worry – it won't get lost."
"It had better not," Sesshomaru said, showing the tip of a very sharp canine tooth.
"Well, if it does, I'll let you toss Mavis back in after it."
"Hey!" Mavis sounded annoyed, but she grinned. "Why me?"
"'Cause he needs me to build him his new arm."
Sesshomaru watched approvingly as the two women exchanged smiles. They got on well together and obviously trusted each other. He had also been pleased with the way Cobra had treated Rin. He gave Rin and Jaken a nod as they grasped the mage's hands and jumped into the Well. There was a flare of blue light, and then they were gone.
"We will be next, lord," Kirsten said. "Mavis should be back in just a few moments, once she's made sure that Jaken and Rin are out of the Well."
It seemed like forever until Mavis was back again. Sesshomaru climbed up onto the lip of the Well and took Mavis' hand in his clawed one. He looked a little disconcerted when he realized that he had Cobra on his left – and no hand for her to grasp.
"If you'll pardon the presumption, my lord." Cobra grinned up at him, and wrapped her arm about his waist as she reached for Mavis with her other hand.
Heavens above! It had been…centuries since a female had been under his heart like this. And a cuddlesome one at that. Too bad she had a mate. Sesshomaru was so wrapped up in the sensations of having a warm, attractive female snuggled up to him and another grasping his hand tightly, that he barely noticed the transference through the Well. When Kirsten pulled away from him, he staggered for a moment, feeling somehow bereft.
"Here we are, my lord," Mavis said. "Are you able to climb the ladder, or will you need assistance?"
Sesshomaru's head snapped around to stare at the mage. "What?" He followed her pointing finger upwards. "Oh. Hmmph. I can manage on my own."
He leaped upward with hardly any effort at all and landed outside the Well, almost on top of a dark-haired handsome man.
"Ay-yi!" Sesshomaru yipped in sudden panic. This man was no human, and no demon, either. This must be the alien that Cobra had told him of. His scent was so otherworldly that the demon lord could think of nothing but to put distance between them until he could assess whether or not there was a threat. He landed awkwardly, over-balanced and fell on his rump in an undignified heap before the alien man.
Cobra was up and over the lip of the Well in an instant when she heard Sesshomaru cry out. She knelt beside him, extending a helping hand.
"My lord! Are you alright? What happened?"
Briareus bent to help him up as well. "I don't think he expected me to be quite so close, Kirsten. Let me assist you, Lord Sesshomaru. I am the Krajan Briareus. You will be travelling on my cyborg-ship."
Sesshomaru swallowed his pride with difficulty and allowed the two of them to help him to his feet. By this time, Mavis had climbed out of the Well.
"What happened?"
"Just a slight accident, is all," Kirsten said. "Nothing damaged, I think."
"I am fine," Sesshomaru growled. "Let us leave this place." If any of them even dared to smirk, he would slay them on the spot. He was almost disappointed that their concern seemed real and not at all contrived.
"Certainly, lord. Up these steps here."
Mavis led him up the steps to the doorway of the Well house, which was standing open. Sesshomaru stepped out of the door and into a different world from the one he was used to.
He stared about at the well-kept grounds of the shrine, lit by strange lights that did not use fire. Through the shrubbery and trees, he could see other lights – so many! The sounds and smells were disorienting, and he swayed on his feet.
Briareus came up beside him and lent him a steadying arm. "Easy there, my lord. Come this way, if you please. Mrs. Higurashi's home is just a short distance away, and she has prepared a meal for all of us while we await my ship."
Sesshomaru was grateful for the help, then despised himself for being overwhelmed by the new sensations all around him. But none of these people were laughing at him, no matter what they privately thought – their concern was quite real. He allowed himself to be helped over to the strange looking hut that was brightly lit.
A woman stood in the doorway, watching for them. She slid a panel open and gestured them inside.
"Come in, my lord, come in."
In an instant, Sesshomaru had had his boots removed skillfully by Mavis and replaced with slippers provided by his hostess. Before he knew it, he was seated before a table, and the smells of a most excellent meal ousted the unfamiliar scents of a different world.
"Please, Lord Sesshomaru, what may I serve you?"
He stared into the face of Kagome's mother. She was a pretty woman, and he could see where her daughter got her looks from. He indicated the dishes that he would try, and she quickly filled a plate for him. Everyone waited until he had picked up the chopsticks provided and had put a morsel of rice into his mouth. That seemed to be the signal for the rest of them to start eating. Sesshomaru did not have much of an appetite, even though the food tasted wonderful. He ate enough to be polite, and spent the rest of his time observing his new surroundings.
He was not the only one staring about with wide eyes, either. His brother's companions were just as disoriented as he felt, even though the monk managed to keep up a polite conversation with Kagome's mother and grandfather. Even the irrepressible fox demon was subdued, sticking close to Rin and Jaken.
"It is so wonderful to finally get to meet all of you," Mrs. Higurashi said. "I've heard so much about you from Kagome."
"It seems very strange to be here without Kagome," Sango said. "I keep expecting her and Inuyasha to come in."
Mrs. Higurashi laughed. "Oh, she'll be so excited to see all of you. She doesn't know you're coming. It's part of a birthday surprise for her. Sota and I will be coming over for a visit as well in about two weeks, so we will be there for her birthday."
"And does Kagome know that you're coming?"
Mrs. Higurashi grinned. "Nope. And none of you are to tell her, hear me?"
Briareus' comm-link chirped, startling Shippo and Jaken into jumping away from the table.
"My crew is calling me," Briareus explained to them and showed them his comm-link before opening the connection. "Briareus." He spoke rapidly in another language and put the comm-link away. "My ship is above, awaiting us. If we are finished, I will take the first group up on the hoverdisk."
The group hurriedly finished their meal, and sorted themselves out while they took proper leave of the Higurashi family.
Briareus brought the hoverdisk to an open space in the shrine grounds, and lifted up the heavy chest containing Sesshomaru's goods. He had taken care of this earlier for Kirsten by fetching it and having Mavis help him take it through the Well. He helped Sango, Miroku and the children onto the disk and told them to hang on, then lifted them into the sky.
Sesshomaru watched as the disk rose into the darkness, and found an even more profound darkness hovering above the shrine. This had to be the cyborg-ship.
It did not take long for the disk to return to pick the rest of them up. Wary of being dumped on his backside again, Sesshomaru deigned to allow Briareus to assist him onto the craft. Kirsten lifted Jaken up and helped Mavis clamber on. Before she got on herself, she shook Mrs. Higurashi's hand.
"Thank you so much for your hospitality, ma'am. We're looking forward to having you join us in a few weeks' time. Have you everything you need?"
"Just waiting on Sota's passport."
"Well – " Kirsten handed her a paper. "If there's any unreasonable delays or problems, contact this person and mention my name. They'll assist you in cutting any red tape."
"Why thank you. Safe journey, now."
"Thanks! See you soon."
Kirsten vaulted onto the hoverdisk in an easy jump. "Let's go, Briar."