AN: All hail my dad, who graciously lent me his laptop AND an entire day in his house completely alone to write for as much as I wanted. And I got 16 redone AND did 17 here for all of you who have been ANXIOUSLY awaiting Sesshomaru's appearance. Well, he doesn't quite make it in 17, but he does in 18, which I'm debating if I should put up half way or not. We'll see. Enjoy everyone!! BTW, I changed the name of Sesshomaru's mate to Megahna, I think it rolls off the tongue better. Okay, enough babbling, on with the chapter!
Chapter 17
The next thing I knew, it was a beautifully cool morning, the sound of birds woke me. I was warm, curled up against something equally warm and soft. For a moment, I would have thought I was back in my room at my parent's house, curled up with the oversized teddy bear I bought myself one Valentine's Day, when the teddy bear moved. I blinked and opened my eyes. During the night, I had managed to roll over, pin Keitaro on his back, and use his chest for a pillow. My arm was draped across his waist, and my head was resting in the curve of his shoulder. I froze.
"Morning," I heard whispered above my head, and I didn't have the courage to look him in the face. I flushed to the tips of my hair and mumbled, "Morning," as I bolted off of him, sitting up a good foot away, the rat's next of my morning hair and my red face probably making a very scary sight. He watched me, and a sad look crossed his eyes. I sighed and rose to my feet, walking over to the entrance of the cave. I heard his approached and braced myself as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. I know he could tell how nervous I was, my body was as tight as a stretched rubber band, but I couldn't help it. How embarrassing!
~*~(Keitaro)
I didn't sleep much that night, how could I? I had the most beautiful creature in all existence sleeping in my arms, I didn't want to miss a minute of this incredible feeling of rightness that I had. She belonged here with me, just like this, for as long as we could manage. I couldn't say forever, because I knew that someday we would part, but for just this night, if I could pretend she belong only with and to me, then I would have enough happiness to last me till death finally took me. She sighed softly, and rolled over, grabbing a hold of my haori and clinging to me, and I gently rolled onto my back. She stirred a moment, but then settled closer against me, her arm wrapping now around me. A small smile graced her lips, and her scent was peaceful and clean, as if she had no cares in the world, and for the first time I realized that I was seeing the real Francesca. Gentle, kind, soft, and pure. Not the hard, pained, and closed woman that she was when awake, but someone loving and trusting.
'How hard it must be for you to hide behind such a mask,' I thought and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face to get a better look. Her skin had gotten a little darker in the past days of travel, not the dark of villagers in the fields all day, but a lighter tone, which went perfectly with her hair. I resisted the urge to bend my head down and kiss her forehead, I didn't want to wake her. The sun began to rise and a streak of light began to crawl through the entrance of our cave. The world outside smelled contently wet and healthy, rich with life giving water, and I couldn't wait to go out and enjoy all the wonderful smells. I wanted to share it with her, but she needed her rest, there would me more mornings like this, I could wait.
I heard her yawn and felt her stir as she opened her eyes. Suddenly her scent spiked, spicy and sharp, and her body tensed up.
"Morning," I said softly, and she responded as such, but I could tell, it was not a good one. Without a word, she rose to her feet, and walked away from me, the soft façade gone as she placed up the wall she carried, the wall to the world. I refused to let go of the moment, and moved beside her, wrapping my arms around her, and felt her go even more tense.
"Please don't" I whispered in her ear and she bowed her head. I nuzzled her neck gently, and heard a soft sigh escape her lips. Her heart leapt against my lips and I gently kissed her pulse before lifting my head to whisper in her ear.
"Please don't be scared, and don't be ashamed. I don't think I have ever woken up to a more welcome sight," I said softly. Something inside me growled at me, told me that I spoke too freely, but I ignored it. Something else inside me spoke louder, told me comfort her, reassure her, put her at ease. And it wasn't my mind, it was my instincts.
"I shouldn't have-" she said briskly and I moved my arms from around her waist to place my hands on her shoulders, running my hands along her shoulders and arms. I had seen my father do it when my mother was upset and it seemed to work on her. Luckily Francesca had the same response and I felt her began to relax.
"I cannot lie to you Francesca, you are someone very special to me. If it is alright with you, I would like-" I took a deep breath and continued, "I'd like permission to court you."
She froze again, and I bit my lip, worried that I had said the wrong thing and watched with cautious eyes as she slowly turned to face me. Her face was no longer hard and distant, but completely open with surprise. Her eyes held mine.
"Why?" she said, and from the tone in her voice and the look in her eyes, I knew she was being sincere. She couldn't understand why I would want to court her. I opened my mouth to speak and her hand came up, and placed itself on my cheek, and I saw the same disoriented look come over her face as it did when I kissed her the first time. Inside it felt like something was reaching in, rather than in one place, it was like she was trying to step inside me, and read me. I placed my hand on her shoulder.
"Because I care about you. And if you ask me why, I'm not even sure why myself. Something inside me knows that if I try to do without you, I can't. Being around you, I want nothing more than to protect you, keep you safe and happy with everything I have. If you want answer more than that, I can't tell you."
She dropped her hand from my cheek and her eyes focused, dark and unreadable. "Even though I've told you that I can't love? That it's impossible for me? You would put your heart out on the line, knowing you will get nothing in return?"
I sighed, "I don't believe that it's impossible for you to love. I believe that you have had things hard, and because of that you think that love is something that you will only feel second hand. I can show you otherwise."
She turned her back again, and crossed her arms. I wouldn't let her pull away, I couldn't let her pull away. I grabbed her shoulder, and turned her, and before she could refuse, I pulled her close with one arm, and ran my other hand through her hair. She stared up at me, and I gave in to my instincts. I bowed my head and captured her soft sweet lips with mine, kissing her with all the passion that flared up in my veins. I felt her melt in my arms and it gave me courage to wrap both arms around her, and hold her close, till I could feel her heart beating against my chest. I pulled back long enough for her to draw in a deep breath, and bowed my lips to hers again, this time softer, gentler. I teased her lips, barely brushing them with mine, before dropping a kiss near her cheek, and her chin, and then back to her lips again, my tongue running along her lip for an entrance. At this she pulled her head back, and stared at me, breathing rapidly.
~*~
My body betrayed me, as he pulled me close. I felt my lips ache, remembering his last kiss, and they were quickly rewarded. That soul searing kiss, that made my knees tremble and every muscle in my body turn to jelly. I had to cling to his arms to keep myself from falling to the ground. Something inside told me to go for it, to go with these feelings, but my logical mind saved me, reminding me that it was not a bright idea. He pulled back, but I could still feel his breath on my face, and I didn't even dare open my eyes. He kissed my cheek, my chin, brushing his lips in a line everywhere but my lips. I felt a whimper rise up in my throat and resisted letting it escape my lips. Then his lips again. God, no words in any language are sufficient to describe the feelings that rocked me as his lips touched mine. They were everything he was, strong, warm, soft, sensual, powerful and meek. I couldn't resist him, but I had to resist him. I had to, for his sake and for mine. But how could I resist this? I felt something brush my lips and I knew that if I didn't put a hold on it, I would lose myself in his arms, and that thought scared me more than anything I had ever seen in my life.
He was waiting for an answer, I could see it in his eyes, and I didn't have the power in my voice. It was all still blown away by his kiss. And from when I knew of his memories, I was the first he had ever kissed. If it was so incredible now, how much more powerful could he get. No, I couldn't think about that. An answer. Yes, he was waiting for an answer. I stared into those eyes, and felt my resolve get weak. I should tell him to go jump in a river, give up on me, find someone else (and share those lips, are you kidding?). I took a deep breath and slowly nodded my head once. His eyes (those eyes could move mountains) lit up with joy and before I knew it, he had me in his arms and was spinning me around.
"Kei. Kei! Put me down, for pity's sake, I said you could court me, I didn't say I would marry you!" I said exasperatedly. He stopped his spinning and the mischievous grin in his eyes told me I had picked the wrong example.
"Give me time," he said, and I blinked in surprise as he laughed again, and began to lower his face to mine. I was trapped in his arms, no way to get free (like I really wanted to), and no where to hide.
Kirara (bless her!) saved me, by jumping up onto my lap, and thrusting her two tails in Keitaro's face. He sputtered and jerked his head back, and looked like he would have thrown Kirara out of the cave at that moment. She glared back at him, and mewed and he growled, but sighed and nodded his head.
"We should get back to the others, we can make it through the pass before nightfall, and make it to my uncles' by the afternoon of the next day," he said, lowering me to the ground. I nodded, and turned gather up our new friend, when another surprise awaited me. Standing over Kirara, like a large black shadow of herself, was the other cat, or rather fire-cat. I glanced at Keitaro to see if he noticed and looked in my direction and nodded, as if he could hear what I was thinking and laughed.
"What, you didn't notice the extra tail before, or how close Kirara was keeping an eye on him," he chuckled to Kirara's growl. I shook my head and stared at the large black cat, who growled in turn at Keitaro's comment, and then shuddered, reducing back to his smaller form. I sighed and picked him up, gently checking his wounds.
"Poor guy, you must still be weak," I said and cradled him close as I climbed onto the now larger Kirara. Keitaro narrowed his eyes at the ball of fur in my arms and I narrowed my own at him.
"Don't you dare start that again Kei," I said firmly and watched his ears fall back against his head as he mumbled and climbed up behind me. Kirara took off to the sky swiftly and I watched the land pass beneath us, something I didn't have the chance to take advantage of last time. Kei's arm held me around the waist again, and I was beginning to enjoy the closeness that simple touch allowed. The wind whipped my hair around and I heard him mutter as it struck him in the face.
"Sorry," I said and carefully reached around to pull it over my shoulder.
"Much better," he whispered, and I felt something brush the back of my neck.
"Kei!" I yelped and he snickered, nipping me gently. A wave of warmth flew down my back, and I felt light-headed. My head drooped forward, it felt as heavy as a cannonball and I couldn't keep it up. More warmth touched my neck, and I sighed, loosening my grip on Kirara.
'What am I doing' I heard Kei's voice soft in my head, and that brought me back, causing me to snap my head up. Consequently knocking him in the forehead.
"Ow!" he yelped and I shook my head, mumbling slightly, "Are you alright?" I asked and heard his grunted reply, which I didn't try and clarify. My head still felt strangely heavy, and I couldn't focus my eyes.
'What was that?' I thought and Keitaro mumbled in my ear, "Sorry, I lost control," he said shamefully. I blinked, and glanced over my shoulder at him.
"I didn't say anything," I said and he stared at me, "Yes you did, you just said 'What was that?' I heard you-" he froze and his eyes got wide.
"Oh no!! You're hearing my thoughts now!" I yelled, and watched his ears fall back.
"Don't yell at me, I didn't start this! It's probably your fault, you're the one who got in my head in the first place," he said and I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise up.
"Don't you blame this on me!! First of all, that was an accident, and not my fault. How do you know that whatever you just did didn't start this?!"
Kirara yowled loudly, and we both turned our head forward and yelled, "What?!" I felt humor vibrate from her, she thought we were amusing. Ahead of us lay the village, and something was going on, something important.
Naoko, Maeko and Kaemon spotted us first and ran towards us as Kirara landed.
"What's going on," Kei and I said at the same time as Maeko saw the fire cat in my arms and asked, "Who is this?" We paused and laughed and Maeko motioned to the large carriage-like object in the middle of the village square. Everyone was standing around it, gawking.
It was chestnut brown in color, with bolts of silver threaded silk hanging in the entrance and windows. The paneling of the walls were engraved on the outside with what looked like vines and dogs. There were no wheels, but at the head of the carriage, harnessed up like horses were two Siamese dragon like creatures. That was the only way to describe them. And they looked familiar. My eyes widened as I realized where I had seen something like that before. I reminded me of the same carriage that Inuyasha had seen carrying the pseudo copy of his mother, when Sesshomaru was trying to find out the location of their father's grave. Which meant-
"Uncle sent it, it seems he has important people visiting, and wishes to make a good impression by having us arrive in style, rather than bedraggled and dirty from our travels. There's even new clothes inside, we can wash here and prepare ourselves. His only request is that we arrive before nightfall."
I glanced at Keitaro, then to the others, who all nodded in turn. The idea of hiking through the mountains for two days didn't really appeal to any of us.
"I am in favor of your Uncle's invitation. This storm probably cause much damage to the pathway through the pass, and would have cost us time traveling," Naoko spoke up clapping his hands together in finality.
"Shall we, our host for last night has extended an invitation to use his hot springs free of charge, and provide us with a morning meal." he said cheerfully. I stared at Naoko who held up his hands innocently.
"I said nothing to him, he approached me this morning rather humbly. It seems he was quite put in his place last night by a creature of strange and beautiful fury, who helped him see the error of his ways. And that was for the invitation for the meal. Once the carriage arrived, and he learned who our lovely cousins are related to by birth, well-" he laughed, "It seems staying on the good graces of your uncle is very beneficial to their well-being."
Keitaro smiled emptily, and I heard whispered faintly, 'So for fear they rejected me, and for fear they now accept me.'
I grabbed his arm and looked him in the eyes. Everyone else stared at us, two senses of surprise, and one of anger, as I tried to quell that sadness inside, bringing up thoughts of comfort. He blinked in surprise and smiled gently, 'Thank you, my Rose' he thought before turning to his cousins.
"Lead the way, I smell like a wet dog," he said cheerfully to them as well as the group assembled. A wave of nervous laughter filled the air, as the men lead them away. The women flocked around Maeko and I, who looked as uncomfortable as I did, as we were swept off to a spring, and unceremoniously dumped in. The water smelled tangy with minerals, and I sighed, leaning back against a rock, rubbing my skin, and soaking. I pulled my hair up on my head, wrapping it in a bun to keep them dry. Maeko watched me silently for a few minutes before asking, "What happened?"
I glanced at her, and her eyes flashed at me a mix of serious concern of a sibling, with the giddy curiosity of another young woman. I blushed and looked down at the water.
"Well, nothing. We found a cave, lit a fire, slept and came back, "I said. I didn't have the guilt of lying. We had done each of those things, and the easiest way to lie is to tell the truth, just leave out the parts that matter (AN: I love that line, got it from an episode of sea Quest -grin-). She watched me, for any sign that it wasn't the truth, but my face was unreadable, and in the end she just smiled.
"Alright," she said softly, rising from the water. "Come, we don't want to wrinkle up, besides the men will probably be waiting." I followed her, taking the towel to dry from one of the women who were attending us, and walked into a room of the inn to dress. Other women were there, waiting to do our hair. Maeko looked a little embarrassed at all this attention, and I was sure that she had never had anyone besides her mother help her dress before. I had only once, at a friend's wedding and I had a broken finger and couldn't get the lacings of my dress alone.
I was wrapped in a silk kimono, a rich forest green in color, with gold trimmings that were sown in. A pale green obi was tied around my waist, and then they proceeded on my hair, murmuring about how long it was, and how rare a color. They twirled two large pieces into tight curls, and wrapped them like a large bun around the back of my head, and the rest of my hair they braided in one long braid down my back, tying it back with a piece of twine. The bun they held in place with two slender sticks. I made a face. I felt too out of place, but I didn't want to offend them, so I said nothing, vowing silently to remove them and French braid my hair once inside the carriage.
'I wouldn't do that, my aunt probably sent specific instructions as to our appearance. If we disappoint her, I'm afraid of what she'll do to these women,' I heard softly in my ear. I didn't think he could hear me at this distance, but I was wrong. With a sigh, I relented but I put my foot down on the makeup, determined that I was not going to look like Maeko, who became a porcelain doll before my eyes, white faced, small red lips and eyes that seemed too large. I took a little coloring for my eyes, and a light application of lip color and I would not allow them to doll me up any more. I felt bad if my actions caused them any trouble, but I would not allow some woman I had never met to dictate my life.
Maeko and I were led outside, where the others were waiting. They all looked extraordinarily handsome in their outfits, probably silk like our kimono's. Keitaro's was bright red, like his fire rat outfit normally was, Kaemon's was black, with silver stitching, and Naoko's was a deep sapphire blue. Maeko's face glowed beside me, and I didn't even have to look at her to feel it. It was like a light that warmed my skin and I didn't have to wait very long to figure out why. Naoko glowed with the same warmth, and I smiled.
'Right under my nose, and I didn't see it before. That's a first,' I thought and instinctively covered my mouth with my hand, as if it could stop the thought. Keitaro glanced at me and raised an eyebrow and I shook my head slightly, looking away. No, I couldn't tell him, that was up to them.
Kaemon bowed gracefully and swept his arm towards the carriage, and helped both Maeko and I step in, his hand lingering on mine for a second longer than was probably necessary. I felt a spark shoot from my hand and he pulled free, looking surprised. I was astonished, that wasn't static electricy. Over his shoulder, I saw Keitaro glaring at his cousin's back. I cast him my own look and saw his ears droop slightly, as he bit his lip and climbed into the carriage. He took a seat between his sister and myself, much to Kaemon's very evident displeasure. Naoko took a seat beside his brother, looking a bit uncomfortable in such elegant clothes and Maeko gave him a warm smile.
"My aunt believes that she must show her wealth as often as possible, though I'm sure it must have made her fur stand up at the thought that 'mere humans'," she said this in a tone of arrogence and superiority," would have such extravegence wasted on them. I say enjoy it while it lasts, because once your back is turned, she'll try striking." If this were a movie, that's the part where the lightening would strike, or the thunder crash, but in our case ironically, it was the part where the carriage lighted in the air, causing everyone to jump slightly with the jolt.
I glanced at Maeko again and felt a little nervous. I had already enough perils to face on this journey, dealing with Kei's aunt, and not being able to lash out at her attacks put a knot in my stomach. From the corner of my eye I saw Kei place his hand on his stomach, and confusion radiated from him before he glanced at me.
'Calm down, I promise you'll be safe,' he said soothingly, and it felt like his hand was running itself through my hair again, that safe, wonderful feeling of security, but both his hands were visibly on his lap. Kaemon watched us with eagle eyes, and I took this opportunity to close my eyes and take a rest, leaning my head back against the seat.
But rest was far from what I received. Behind my eyelid played out bits and pieces of scenes, rather like watching random clips of a movie that were spliced together and played in a chaotic sequence. I stared at this mess until something began to clear through. I was seeing the world through someone else's eyes, a small someone's eyes, judging by the distance to the ground, and the amazing way everything looked so large and important.
"Keitaro," I heard spoken sweetly, and I turned instinctively, looking up at a large, slender woman, with flowing black hair and golden eyes. Upon her brow was red star, and red slashes of color on her cheeks. Her skin was a pale white, so white that it was almost translucent and I could see the streaks of red and blue beneath it. I knew this woman, this was my new aunt Megahna, my uncle Sesshomaru's wife. She knelt before me, and her nose crinkled up as if she smelled something horrible.
"Ah, another worthless halfbreed pup, really Sesshomaru, if your brother breeds anymore, this family will have nothing but disgraces in its history," she said hautily.
"That is quite enough about my nephew," a deep voice said behind me, and I was lifted in the air, placed on a high seat. I looked down and saw the white armour of my uncle's outfit and grinned.
"Filthy excuse of a pup, someone should have drowned it proper rather than letting it grow to this age," she continued and my uncle's scent grew hard and cold. I covered my nose, it was so strong. His hand glowed and I knew what that meant. Papa had told me that Uncle Sesshomaru could use poison, and when he was mad, it was very bad to touch him. But I knew my Uncle would never hurt me, and so I stayed silent.
"I have said enough Megahna. Your dislike of my brother is your own buisiness, but if you continue to insult my nephew I will have to punish you as I see fit," he growled. She sniffed with contempt.
"You cannot touch me, your honor and your duty in your marriage pledge to me forbids you. Besides, being around humans too long has made you soft, husband. First that whelp of a she-pup, who stinks to high heaven every time she goes into heat, and drives all the men in the castle crazy, and now your brother's son, a disgrace to the blood in their veins."
"Your dislike of Rin wouldn't perhaps be better described as your jealousy that she does attract the attentions of men, while you only attract distain. Or would it be perhaps that she carries the scent of a fertile possible mate, while you are an old river, dried up and useless. She may be human, but she will certainly have more children to her name then you."
I didn't quite understand what was going on, but I knew the change of scent in the air. My aunt's eyes began to glow deep red, and I felt my uncle's skin shimmer. He placed me in the grass, "Hurry off to your father Keitaro, I have something to discuss alone." I didn't wait a second long but took off as fast as my small feet could carry me.
'A memory?' I thought to myself, as the images blurred out of my mind. It was so real, the smells still lingered on my nose. 'So that's Kei's aunt. She's everything Maeko warned me about and more. I'm going to have to be on my guard around her.' I sighed.
"Francesca," I heard calling me, and I wearily opened my eyes. Sleep fogged my vision for a moment, and I blinked again, lifting my hand to rub my eyes before I remembered where I was, and the makeup I had on.
"Oh, are we here?" I yawned.
"Just about, we should be there shortly," Maeko said, and I sat up, brushing off the wrinkles from my skirt, and looking at the rest of the party. I didn't need my Empathy to tell they were just as nervous as I was, perhaps even more, for they knew a great deal more than I did about where we were going and who we would be meeting. Keitaro sat, arms crossed, and looking serious, and I didn't want to be rude and read him. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts and I decided to leave him alone to find his way back.
The pressure changed slightly, and I felt that recognizable sensation of weighlessness filled my head, and I knew we were landing, though landing with this manner of aircraft was perhaps a little more painful than in an airplane, with things like cabin pressure and such to moderately protect your ears. The carriage reached the ground with a jolt and after a moment, the curtain was pulled aside and Jaken, only recognizable by this horrible staff, stood there.
"Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands, son of the great Inu-youkai sends his greetings. Please, follow me and I will show you to your rooms," his voice was pleasant enough but he radiated distaste and objection. I glanced at my companions who shrugged and followed the small toad youkai into the castle. Not a castle like one might envision of Medieval Europe, but something grander and more elegent. Honey wood paneled the floors everywhere, and everything reeked power, wealth and good taste. Jaken lead us to a wing, with doors facing a beautiful inner garden, shaded with large leafy trees, whose branches were filled with the sounds of songbirds.
"Your belongings have already been placed inside your rooms. You will be summoned when their lordships are ready to receive you," he said and scurried away. I glanced at the others, and carefully slid open the papered paneling that served as a door. Inside I spied my backpack, standing out over the plain coloring of Maeko's linen bag.
"This must be our room," I said cheerfully and turned to the others, "Yours should be next door," I summed up and hurried out to investigate, much to the amusement of my companions. As we exited our room, I heard a giggle and something flew into Keitaro's arms, a blur of blue and silver. Keitaro looked surprised for a second and then grinned, twirling the stranger in circle before carefully setting them down, their back to me.
"Rin! I didn't know you were going to be here! You should be more careful, what if I hadn't caught you, you have to think about the baby!" he said warmly, a gentle look took over his face. I had only seen him look like that when speaking to Kohana, and I felt a little jealous.
Rin tapped him playfully on the nose, "I knew you'd smell it before I even had a chance to tell anyone. Both you and Father, I can't keep anything a surprise from those noses!" she giggled again and turned to face us. The child Rin I was farmiliar with, had grown into a beautiful woman. She looked no older than 30 and in her eyes still burned that powerful spirit that made her such a loveable person. Her long black hair was pulled up in a tight bun, with similar pins holding it up as I had, and as I noted before, her kimono was a rich blue, almost purple color, with silver embroidery laced through it. As she turned to face us, I glanced at her stomach, but if she was pregnant, she hadn't begun to show yet. Maeko stepped up and hugged her cousin warmly.
"Pregnant again Rin? How many is this now?"
"This little one makes 6," she said proudly, her hand reaching down to rub her stomach.
I stared at her, and Maeko placed a hand to her forehead, "6 already! Heaven help us, are you trying to raise your own village?"
Rin laughed, "Not if I can help it, but I am not complaining. I have always wanted a large family and my husband is most willing in his assistance," she laughed again, as Maeko blushed furiously, and even my own modesty caused my cheeks to flush. "Besides, Father enjoys being grandfather, even if he tries not to admit it to anyone but me. You should see him with Tioji, lets him sit on his shoulders as he takes his walks around the palace, and little Yukia, he treats her like a princess. " She glanced at me, as if noticing me for the first time and her eyes grew wide.
"Oh, you must be the woman from the future!" she said and I began to bow to her when she clucked her tongue and gave me a warm hug.
"Do not be so strange around me, for you are a part of my family now," she glanced at Keitaro who looked away and then back at me, hugging me again.
"I won't tell anyone," she whispered briefly in my ear, and from the corner of my eyes I saw Kei's ear twitch. He had heard, and his cheeks flushed a little. But I remained confused. What did she mean, I was a part of the family?
She gave hugs to Naoko and Kaemon, who looked surprised but non the less pleased, as she energetically grabbed Keitaro's hand and dragged him down the corridor.
"How is Kagome? Inuyasha? How is Jineji, have you seen him of late? I heard his mother passed on, but only recently, how is he fareing?" she asked excitedly, and it seemed almost that she was once again a curious child. I followed silently, and listened in as they chatted about their families. I felt a twinge of sadness, but only briefly, and I quickly wrapped it deep within the many folds of my Empathy. I didn't want Kei to pick up upon it. But listening to them, brought up the echo of Kei's words, "You don't belong here." I knew that things had changed since he said that but, they still rang true. We walked along the corridor, till we had traveled all the way around the garden. The sun was just vanished along the roof of the castle and I knew that dinner would be soon. I gazed into the gardens, taking a seat at the edge of the corridor and admiring the atmosphere, as everyone stood behind me and talked. Kirara and the new one curled up beside me, and everything seemed peaceful.
Suddenly, the air grew thick and tense, and the two firecats stood up and began growling. I felt fear rise off of Rin's skin, and I turned my head. Gliding, for it was far too graceful to be a walk, down the corridor was a tall imposing figure, dressed in black satin robes. Long black hair flowed down her back like liquid ink, and her eyes were a dark golden color, devoid of any warmth or kindness. Blood red were her markings, a star-like symbol on her brow and slender slash marks along her cheeks, she was beautiful and horrible at the same time. I quickly rose to my feet, and felt Keitaro and Kaemon step up behind me, their presence comforting and frightening at the same time, for it was their urgent need to protect me that worried me so.
"Lady," Rin said stiffly and bowed, followed by Keitaro and Maeko's hollow acknowledgement of "Aunt". She narrowed her eyes, and stared at us, and I looked down at my hands, trying to avoid her attentions. A ice cold hand grabbed my chin tightly and lifted my head up, those same eyes scrutinizing me. I quickly wrapped my Empathy around myself like a protective cloak, forcing my fear and anxiety down and I met her gaze with equal distain. I didn't care if this was Kei's aunt, or our hostess, which in all actuality she wasn't, Sesshomaru invited us. She was being rude to me, and that was something I didn't tolerate.
"So this is the creature that has everyone talking," she hissed in a voice that could have frozen fire. I clenched my teeth as she squeezed my jaw harder, to the point that my eyes treatened to water.
"Aunt, this is Francesca," Keitaro said, trying to resist the urge to break her arm, I could hear it in his voice.
"Francesca, an odd name even for a worthless human," she sneared, and I lifted my chin, "I was named after a very holy man," I said through my teeth, and she smiled maliciously, "Perhaps fitting, for you are very ugly even for a human girl, being named after a man may suit you." Her nose twitched slightly and she glanced at Keitaro.
"You, like your father and grandfather before you, have a poor taste in women," she said hautily. I could feel the anger rise up around him like a bonfire, and reached over to place a hand on his, trying to quell his anger.
'She's only doing it to get a rise out of you, ignore it.' I thought desperately as I felt the heat surrounding him begin to die down. Megahna released my face, and I stood stone still, resisting the urge to rub my sore jaw.
"Let us hope you are everything it is said, I do not like liars," she spat and turned on her heel, "I have wasted enough of my time with you creatures." As soon as she disappeared into the house, everyone let off a collective sigh, and Keitaro gently touched my face, noting the dark mark that was beginning to form there.
"Don't worry, if she ever touches you again, she'll lose that hand," he hissed and I shook my head.
"Don't worry about it Kei," I said trying to shake the fear off my skin as it rose up again, now that my control was dropped. Inside my blood still ran cold about ever meeting up again with that woman. She was now my greatest worry.
Chapter 17
The next thing I knew, it was a beautifully cool morning, the sound of birds woke me. I was warm, curled up against something equally warm and soft. For a moment, I would have thought I was back in my room at my parent's house, curled up with the oversized teddy bear I bought myself one Valentine's Day, when the teddy bear moved. I blinked and opened my eyes. During the night, I had managed to roll over, pin Keitaro on his back, and use his chest for a pillow. My arm was draped across his waist, and my head was resting in the curve of his shoulder. I froze.
"Morning," I heard whispered above my head, and I didn't have the courage to look him in the face. I flushed to the tips of my hair and mumbled, "Morning," as I bolted off of him, sitting up a good foot away, the rat's next of my morning hair and my red face probably making a very scary sight. He watched me, and a sad look crossed his eyes. I sighed and rose to my feet, walking over to the entrance of the cave. I heard his approached and braced myself as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. I know he could tell how nervous I was, my body was as tight as a stretched rubber band, but I couldn't help it. How embarrassing!
~*~(Keitaro)
I didn't sleep much that night, how could I? I had the most beautiful creature in all existence sleeping in my arms, I didn't want to miss a minute of this incredible feeling of rightness that I had. She belonged here with me, just like this, for as long as we could manage. I couldn't say forever, because I knew that someday we would part, but for just this night, if I could pretend she belong only with and to me, then I would have enough happiness to last me till death finally took me. She sighed softly, and rolled over, grabbing a hold of my haori and clinging to me, and I gently rolled onto my back. She stirred a moment, but then settled closer against me, her arm wrapping now around me. A small smile graced her lips, and her scent was peaceful and clean, as if she had no cares in the world, and for the first time I realized that I was seeing the real Francesca. Gentle, kind, soft, and pure. Not the hard, pained, and closed woman that she was when awake, but someone loving and trusting.
'How hard it must be for you to hide behind such a mask,' I thought and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face to get a better look. Her skin had gotten a little darker in the past days of travel, not the dark of villagers in the fields all day, but a lighter tone, which went perfectly with her hair. I resisted the urge to bend my head down and kiss her forehead, I didn't want to wake her. The sun began to rise and a streak of light began to crawl through the entrance of our cave. The world outside smelled contently wet and healthy, rich with life giving water, and I couldn't wait to go out and enjoy all the wonderful smells. I wanted to share it with her, but she needed her rest, there would me more mornings like this, I could wait.
I heard her yawn and felt her stir as she opened her eyes. Suddenly her scent spiked, spicy and sharp, and her body tensed up.
"Morning," I said softly, and she responded as such, but I could tell, it was not a good one. Without a word, she rose to her feet, and walked away from me, the soft façade gone as she placed up the wall she carried, the wall to the world. I refused to let go of the moment, and moved beside her, wrapping my arms around her, and felt her go even more tense.
"Please don't" I whispered in her ear and she bowed her head. I nuzzled her neck gently, and heard a soft sigh escape her lips. Her heart leapt against my lips and I gently kissed her pulse before lifting my head to whisper in her ear.
"Please don't be scared, and don't be ashamed. I don't think I have ever woken up to a more welcome sight," I said softly. Something inside me growled at me, told me that I spoke too freely, but I ignored it. Something else inside me spoke louder, told me comfort her, reassure her, put her at ease. And it wasn't my mind, it was my instincts.
"I shouldn't have-" she said briskly and I moved my arms from around her waist to place my hands on her shoulders, running my hands along her shoulders and arms. I had seen my father do it when my mother was upset and it seemed to work on her. Luckily Francesca had the same response and I felt her began to relax.
"I cannot lie to you Francesca, you are someone very special to me. If it is alright with you, I would like-" I took a deep breath and continued, "I'd like permission to court you."
She froze again, and I bit my lip, worried that I had said the wrong thing and watched with cautious eyes as she slowly turned to face me. Her face was no longer hard and distant, but completely open with surprise. Her eyes held mine.
"Why?" she said, and from the tone in her voice and the look in her eyes, I knew she was being sincere. She couldn't understand why I would want to court her. I opened my mouth to speak and her hand came up, and placed itself on my cheek, and I saw the same disoriented look come over her face as it did when I kissed her the first time. Inside it felt like something was reaching in, rather than in one place, it was like she was trying to step inside me, and read me. I placed my hand on her shoulder.
"Because I care about you. And if you ask me why, I'm not even sure why myself. Something inside me knows that if I try to do without you, I can't. Being around you, I want nothing more than to protect you, keep you safe and happy with everything I have. If you want answer more than that, I can't tell you."
She dropped her hand from my cheek and her eyes focused, dark and unreadable. "Even though I've told you that I can't love? That it's impossible for me? You would put your heart out on the line, knowing you will get nothing in return?"
I sighed, "I don't believe that it's impossible for you to love. I believe that you have had things hard, and because of that you think that love is something that you will only feel second hand. I can show you otherwise."
She turned her back again, and crossed her arms. I wouldn't let her pull away, I couldn't let her pull away. I grabbed her shoulder, and turned her, and before she could refuse, I pulled her close with one arm, and ran my other hand through her hair. She stared up at me, and I gave in to my instincts. I bowed my head and captured her soft sweet lips with mine, kissing her with all the passion that flared up in my veins. I felt her melt in my arms and it gave me courage to wrap both arms around her, and hold her close, till I could feel her heart beating against my chest. I pulled back long enough for her to draw in a deep breath, and bowed my lips to hers again, this time softer, gentler. I teased her lips, barely brushing them with mine, before dropping a kiss near her cheek, and her chin, and then back to her lips again, my tongue running along her lip for an entrance. At this she pulled her head back, and stared at me, breathing rapidly.
~*~
My body betrayed me, as he pulled me close. I felt my lips ache, remembering his last kiss, and they were quickly rewarded. That soul searing kiss, that made my knees tremble and every muscle in my body turn to jelly. I had to cling to his arms to keep myself from falling to the ground. Something inside told me to go for it, to go with these feelings, but my logical mind saved me, reminding me that it was not a bright idea. He pulled back, but I could still feel his breath on my face, and I didn't even dare open my eyes. He kissed my cheek, my chin, brushing his lips in a line everywhere but my lips. I felt a whimper rise up in my throat and resisted letting it escape my lips. Then his lips again. God, no words in any language are sufficient to describe the feelings that rocked me as his lips touched mine. They were everything he was, strong, warm, soft, sensual, powerful and meek. I couldn't resist him, but I had to resist him. I had to, for his sake and for mine. But how could I resist this? I felt something brush my lips and I knew that if I didn't put a hold on it, I would lose myself in his arms, and that thought scared me more than anything I had ever seen in my life.
He was waiting for an answer, I could see it in his eyes, and I didn't have the power in my voice. It was all still blown away by his kiss. And from when I knew of his memories, I was the first he had ever kissed. If it was so incredible now, how much more powerful could he get. No, I couldn't think about that. An answer. Yes, he was waiting for an answer. I stared into those eyes, and felt my resolve get weak. I should tell him to go jump in a river, give up on me, find someone else (and share those lips, are you kidding?). I took a deep breath and slowly nodded my head once. His eyes (those eyes could move mountains) lit up with joy and before I knew it, he had me in his arms and was spinning me around.
"Kei. Kei! Put me down, for pity's sake, I said you could court me, I didn't say I would marry you!" I said exasperatedly. He stopped his spinning and the mischievous grin in his eyes told me I had picked the wrong example.
"Give me time," he said, and I blinked in surprise as he laughed again, and began to lower his face to mine. I was trapped in his arms, no way to get free (like I really wanted to), and no where to hide.
Kirara (bless her!) saved me, by jumping up onto my lap, and thrusting her two tails in Keitaro's face. He sputtered and jerked his head back, and looked like he would have thrown Kirara out of the cave at that moment. She glared back at him, and mewed and he growled, but sighed and nodded his head.
"We should get back to the others, we can make it through the pass before nightfall, and make it to my uncles' by the afternoon of the next day," he said, lowering me to the ground. I nodded, and turned gather up our new friend, when another surprise awaited me. Standing over Kirara, like a large black shadow of herself, was the other cat, or rather fire-cat. I glanced at Keitaro to see if he noticed and looked in my direction and nodded, as if he could hear what I was thinking and laughed.
"What, you didn't notice the extra tail before, or how close Kirara was keeping an eye on him," he chuckled to Kirara's growl. I shook my head and stared at the large black cat, who growled in turn at Keitaro's comment, and then shuddered, reducing back to his smaller form. I sighed and picked him up, gently checking his wounds.
"Poor guy, you must still be weak," I said and cradled him close as I climbed onto the now larger Kirara. Keitaro narrowed his eyes at the ball of fur in my arms and I narrowed my own at him.
"Don't you dare start that again Kei," I said firmly and watched his ears fall back against his head as he mumbled and climbed up behind me. Kirara took off to the sky swiftly and I watched the land pass beneath us, something I didn't have the chance to take advantage of last time. Kei's arm held me around the waist again, and I was beginning to enjoy the closeness that simple touch allowed. The wind whipped my hair around and I heard him mutter as it struck him in the face.
"Sorry," I said and carefully reached around to pull it over my shoulder.
"Much better," he whispered, and I felt something brush the back of my neck.
"Kei!" I yelped and he snickered, nipping me gently. A wave of warmth flew down my back, and I felt light-headed. My head drooped forward, it felt as heavy as a cannonball and I couldn't keep it up. More warmth touched my neck, and I sighed, loosening my grip on Kirara.
'What am I doing' I heard Kei's voice soft in my head, and that brought me back, causing me to snap my head up. Consequently knocking him in the forehead.
"Ow!" he yelped and I shook my head, mumbling slightly, "Are you alright?" I asked and heard his grunted reply, which I didn't try and clarify. My head still felt strangely heavy, and I couldn't focus my eyes.
'What was that?' I thought and Keitaro mumbled in my ear, "Sorry, I lost control," he said shamefully. I blinked, and glanced over my shoulder at him.
"I didn't say anything," I said and he stared at me, "Yes you did, you just said 'What was that?' I heard you-" he froze and his eyes got wide.
"Oh no!! You're hearing my thoughts now!" I yelled, and watched his ears fall back.
"Don't yell at me, I didn't start this! It's probably your fault, you're the one who got in my head in the first place," he said and I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise up.
"Don't you blame this on me!! First of all, that was an accident, and not my fault. How do you know that whatever you just did didn't start this?!"
Kirara yowled loudly, and we both turned our head forward and yelled, "What?!" I felt humor vibrate from her, she thought we were amusing. Ahead of us lay the village, and something was going on, something important.
Naoko, Maeko and Kaemon spotted us first and ran towards us as Kirara landed.
"What's going on," Kei and I said at the same time as Maeko saw the fire cat in my arms and asked, "Who is this?" We paused and laughed and Maeko motioned to the large carriage-like object in the middle of the village square. Everyone was standing around it, gawking.
It was chestnut brown in color, with bolts of silver threaded silk hanging in the entrance and windows. The paneling of the walls were engraved on the outside with what looked like vines and dogs. There were no wheels, but at the head of the carriage, harnessed up like horses were two Siamese dragon like creatures. That was the only way to describe them. And they looked familiar. My eyes widened as I realized where I had seen something like that before. I reminded me of the same carriage that Inuyasha had seen carrying the pseudo copy of his mother, when Sesshomaru was trying to find out the location of their father's grave. Which meant-
"Uncle sent it, it seems he has important people visiting, and wishes to make a good impression by having us arrive in style, rather than bedraggled and dirty from our travels. There's even new clothes inside, we can wash here and prepare ourselves. His only request is that we arrive before nightfall."
I glanced at Keitaro, then to the others, who all nodded in turn. The idea of hiking through the mountains for two days didn't really appeal to any of us.
"I am in favor of your Uncle's invitation. This storm probably cause much damage to the pathway through the pass, and would have cost us time traveling," Naoko spoke up clapping his hands together in finality.
"Shall we, our host for last night has extended an invitation to use his hot springs free of charge, and provide us with a morning meal." he said cheerfully. I stared at Naoko who held up his hands innocently.
"I said nothing to him, he approached me this morning rather humbly. It seems he was quite put in his place last night by a creature of strange and beautiful fury, who helped him see the error of his ways. And that was for the invitation for the meal. Once the carriage arrived, and he learned who our lovely cousins are related to by birth, well-" he laughed, "It seems staying on the good graces of your uncle is very beneficial to their well-being."
Keitaro smiled emptily, and I heard whispered faintly, 'So for fear they rejected me, and for fear they now accept me.'
I grabbed his arm and looked him in the eyes. Everyone else stared at us, two senses of surprise, and one of anger, as I tried to quell that sadness inside, bringing up thoughts of comfort. He blinked in surprise and smiled gently, 'Thank you, my Rose' he thought before turning to his cousins.
"Lead the way, I smell like a wet dog," he said cheerfully to them as well as the group assembled. A wave of nervous laughter filled the air, as the men lead them away. The women flocked around Maeko and I, who looked as uncomfortable as I did, as we were swept off to a spring, and unceremoniously dumped in. The water smelled tangy with minerals, and I sighed, leaning back against a rock, rubbing my skin, and soaking. I pulled my hair up on my head, wrapping it in a bun to keep them dry. Maeko watched me silently for a few minutes before asking, "What happened?"
I glanced at her, and her eyes flashed at me a mix of serious concern of a sibling, with the giddy curiosity of another young woman. I blushed and looked down at the water.
"Well, nothing. We found a cave, lit a fire, slept and came back, "I said. I didn't have the guilt of lying. We had done each of those things, and the easiest way to lie is to tell the truth, just leave out the parts that matter (AN: I love that line, got it from an episode of sea Quest -grin-). She watched me, for any sign that it wasn't the truth, but my face was unreadable, and in the end she just smiled.
"Alright," she said softly, rising from the water. "Come, we don't want to wrinkle up, besides the men will probably be waiting." I followed her, taking the towel to dry from one of the women who were attending us, and walked into a room of the inn to dress. Other women were there, waiting to do our hair. Maeko looked a little embarrassed at all this attention, and I was sure that she had never had anyone besides her mother help her dress before. I had only once, at a friend's wedding and I had a broken finger and couldn't get the lacings of my dress alone.
I was wrapped in a silk kimono, a rich forest green in color, with gold trimmings that were sown in. A pale green obi was tied around my waist, and then they proceeded on my hair, murmuring about how long it was, and how rare a color. They twirled two large pieces into tight curls, and wrapped them like a large bun around the back of my head, and the rest of my hair they braided in one long braid down my back, tying it back with a piece of twine. The bun they held in place with two slender sticks. I made a face. I felt too out of place, but I didn't want to offend them, so I said nothing, vowing silently to remove them and French braid my hair once inside the carriage.
'I wouldn't do that, my aunt probably sent specific instructions as to our appearance. If we disappoint her, I'm afraid of what she'll do to these women,' I heard softly in my ear. I didn't think he could hear me at this distance, but I was wrong. With a sigh, I relented but I put my foot down on the makeup, determined that I was not going to look like Maeko, who became a porcelain doll before my eyes, white faced, small red lips and eyes that seemed too large. I took a little coloring for my eyes, and a light application of lip color and I would not allow them to doll me up any more. I felt bad if my actions caused them any trouble, but I would not allow some woman I had never met to dictate my life.
Maeko and I were led outside, where the others were waiting. They all looked extraordinarily handsome in their outfits, probably silk like our kimono's. Keitaro's was bright red, like his fire rat outfit normally was, Kaemon's was black, with silver stitching, and Naoko's was a deep sapphire blue. Maeko's face glowed beside me, and I didn't even have to look at her to feel it. It was like a light that warmed my skin and I didn't have to wait very long to figure out why. Naoko glowed with the same warmth, and I smiled.
'Right under my nose, and I didn't see it before. That's a first,' I thought and instinctively covered my mouth with my hand, as if it could stop the thought. Keitaro glanced at me and raised an eyebrow and I shook my head slightly, looking away. No, I couldn't tell him, that was up to them.
Kaemon bowed gracefully and swept his arm towards the carriage, and helped both Maeko and I step in, his hand lingering on mine for a second longer than was probably necessary. I felt a spark shoot from my hand and he pulled free, looking surprised. I was astonished, that wasn't static electricy. Over his shoulder, I saw Keitaro glaring at his cousin's back. I cast him my own look and saw his ears droop slightly, as he bit his lip and climbed into the carriage. He took a seat between his sister and myself, much to Kaemon's very evident displeasure. Naoko took a seat beside his brother, looking a bit uncomfortable in such elegant clothes and Maeko gave him a warm smile.
"My aunt believes that she must show her wealth as often as possible, though I'm sure it must have made her fur stand up at the thought that 'mere humans'," she said this in a tone of arrogence and superiority," would have such extravegence wasted on them. I say enjoy it while it lasts, because once your back is turned, she'll try striking." If this were a movie, that's the part where the lightening would strike, or the thunder crash, but in our case ironically, it was the part where the carriage lighted in the air, causing everyone to jump slightly with the jolt.
I glanced at Maeko again and felt a little nervous. I had already enough perils to face on this journey, dealing with Kei's aunt, and not being able to lash out at her attacks put a knot in my stomach. From the corner of my eye I saw Kei place his hand on his stomach, and confusion radiated from him before he glanced at me.
'Calm down, I promise you'll be safe,' he said soothingly, and it felt like his hand was running itself through my hair again, that safe, wonderful feeling of security, but both his hands were visibly on his lap. Kaemon watched us with eagle eyes, and I took this opportunity to close my eyes and take a rest, leaning my head back against the seat.
But rest was far from what I received. Behind my eyelid played out bits and pieces of scenes, rather like watching random clips of a movie that were spliced together and played in a chaotic sequence. I stared at this mess until something began to clear through. I was seeing the world through someone else's eyes, a small someone's eyes, judging by the distance to the ground, and the amazing way everything looked so large and important.
"Keitaro," I heard spoken sweetly, and I turned instinctively, looking up at a large, slender woman, with flowing black hair and golden eyes. Upon her brow was red star, and red slashes of color on her cheeks. Her skin was a pale white, so white that it was almost translucent and I could see the streaks of red and blue beneath it. I knew this woman, this was my new aunt Megahna, my uncle Sesshomaru's wife. She knelt before me, and her nose crinkled up as if she smelled something horrible.
"Ah, another worthless halfbreed pup, really Sesshomaru, if your brother breeds anymore, this family will have nothing but disgraces in its history," she said hautily.
"That is quite enough about my nephew," a deep voice said behind me, and I was lifted in the air, placed on a high seat. I looked down and saw the white armour of my uncle's outfit and grinned.
"Filthy excuse of a pup, someone should have drowned it proper rather than letting it grow to this age," she continued and my uncle's scent grew hard and cold. I covered my nose, it was so strong. His hand glowed and I knew what that meant. Papa had told me that Uncle Sesshomaru could use poison, and when he was mad, it was very bad to touch him. But I knew my Uncle would never hurt me, and so I stayed silent.
"I have said enough Megahna. Your dislike of my brother is your own buisiness, but if you continue to insult my nephew I will have to punish you as I see fit," he growled. She sniffed with contempt.
"You cannot touch me, your honor and your duty in your marriage pledge to me forbids you. Besides, being around humans too long has made you soft, husband. First that whelp of a she-pup, who stinks to high heaven every time she goes into heat, and drives all the men in the castle crazy, and now your brother's son, a disgrace to the blood in their veins."
"Your dislike of Rin wouldn't perhaps be better described as your jealousy that she does attract the attentions of men, while you only attract distain. Or would it be perhaps that she carries the scent of a fertile possible mate, while you are an old river, dried up and useless. She may be human, but she will certainly have more children to her name then you."
I didn't quite understand what was going on, but I knew the change of scent in the air. My aunt's eyes began to glow deep red, and I felt my uncle's skin shimmer. He placed me in the grass, "Hurry off to your father Keitaro, I have something to discuss alone." I didn't wait a second long but took off as fast as my small feet could carry me.
'A memory?' I thought to myself, as the images blurred out of my mind. It was so real, the smells still lingered on my nose. 'So that's Kei's aunt. She's everything Maeko warned me about and more. I'm going to have to be on my guard around her.' I sighed.
"Francesca," I heard calling me, and I wearily opened my eyes. Sleep fogged my vision for a moment, and I blinked again, lifting my hand to rub my eyes before I remembered where I was, and the makeup I had on.
"Oh, are we here?" I yawned.
"Just about, we should be there shortly," Maeko said, and I sat up, brushing off the wrinkles from my skirt, and looking at the rest of the party. I didn't need my Empathy to tell they were just as nervous as I was, perhaps even more, for they knew a great deal more than I did about where we were going and who we would be meeting. Keitaro sat, arms crossed, and looking serious, and I didn't want to be rude and read him. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts and I decided to leave him alone to find his way back.
The pressure changed slightly, and I felt that recognizable sensation of weighlessness filled my head, and I knew we were landing, though landing with this manner of aircraft was perhaps a little more painful than in an airplane, with things like cabin pressure and such to moderately protect your ears. The carriage reached the ground with a jolt and after a moment, the curtain was pulled aside and Jaken, only recognizable by this horrible staff, stood there.
"Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands, son of the great Inu-youkai sends his greetings. Please, follow me and I will show you to your rooms," his voice was pleasant enough but he radiated distaste and objection. I glanced at my companions who shrugged and followed the small toad youkai into the castle. Not a castle like one might envision of Medieval Europe, but something grander and more elegent. Honey wood paneled the floors everywhere, and everything reeked power, wealth and good taste. Jaken lead us to a wing, with doors facing a beautiful inner garden, shaded with large leafy trees, whose branches were filled with the sounds of songbirds.
"Your belongings have already been placed inside your rooms. You will be summoned when their lordships are ready to receive you," he said and scurried away. I glanced at the others, and carefully slid open the papered paneling that served as a door. Inside I spied my backpack, standing out over the plain coloring of Maeko's linen bag.
"This must be our room," I said cheerfully and turned to the others, "Yours should be next door," I summed up and hurried out to investigate, much to the amusement of my companions. As we exited our room, I heard a giggle and something flew into Keitaro's arms, a blur of blue and silver. Keitaro looked surprised for a second and then grinned, twirling the stranger in circle before carefully setting them down, their back to me.
"Rin! I didn't know you were going to be here! You should be more careful, what if I hadn't caught you, you have to think about the baby!" he said warmly, a gentle look took over his face. I had only seen him look like that when speaking to Kohana, and I felt a little jealous.
Rin tapped him playfully on the nose, "I knew you'd smell it before I even had a chance to tell anyone. Both you and Father, I can't keep anything a surprise from those noses!" she giggled again and turned to face us. The child Rin I was farmiliar with, had grown into a beautiful woman. She looked no older than 30 and in her eyes still burned that powerful spirit that made her such a loveable person. Her long black hair was pulled up in a tight bun, with similar pins holding it up as I had, and as I noted before, her kimono was a rich blue, almost purple color, with silver embroidery laced through it. As she turned to face us, I glanced at her stomach, but if she was pregnant, she hadn't begun to show yet. Maeko stepped up and hugged her cousin warmly.
"Pregnant again Rin? How many is this now?"
"This little one makes 6," she said proudly, her hand reaching down to rub her stomach.
I stared at her, and Maeko placed a hand to her forehead, "6 already! Heaven help us, are you trying to raise your own village?"
Rin laughed, "Not if I can help it, but I am not complaining. I have always wanted a large family and my husband is most willing in his assistance," she laughed again, as Maeko blushed furiously, and even my own modesty caused my cheeks to flush. "Besides, Father enjoys being grandfather, even if he tries not to admit it to anyone but me. You should see him with Tioji, lets him sit on his shoulders as he takes his walks around the palace, and little Yukia, he treats her like a princess. " She glanced at me, as if noticing me for the first time and her eyes grew wide.
"Oh, you must be the woman from the future!" she said and I began to bow to her when she clucked her tongue and gave me a warm hug.
"Do not be so strange around me, for you are a part of my family now," she glanced at Keitaro who looked away and then back at me, hugging me again.
"I won't tell anyone," she whispered briefly in my ear, and from the corner of my eyes I saw Kei's ear twitch. He had heard, and his cheeks flushed a little. But I remained confused. What did she mean, I was a part of the family?
She gave hugs to Naoko and Kaemon, who looked surprised but non the less pleased, as she energetically grabbed Keitaro's hand and dragged him down the corridor.
"How is Kagome? Inuyasha? How is Jineji, have you seen him of late? I heard his mother passed on, but only recently, how is he fareing?" she asked excitedly, and it seemed almost that she was once again a curious child. I followed silently, and listened in as they chatted about their families. I felt a twinge of sadness, but only briefly, and I quickly wrapped it deep within the many folds of my Empathy. I didn't want Kei to pick up upon it. But listening to them, brought up the echo of Kei's words, "You don't belong here." I knew that things had changed since he said that but, they still rang true. We walked along the corridor, till we had traveled all the way around the garden. The sun was just vanished along the roof of the castle and I knew that dinner would be soon. I gazed into the gardens, taking a seat at the edge of the corridor and admiring the atmosphere, as everyone stood behind me and talked. Kirara and the new one curled up beside me, and everything seemed peaceful.
Suddenly, the air grew thick and tense, and the two firecats stood up and began growling. I felt fear rise off of Rin's skin, and I turned my head. Gliding, for it was far too graceful to be a walk, down the corridor was a tall imposing figure, dressed in black satin robes. Long black hair flowed down her back like liquid ink, and her eyes were a dark golden color, devoid of any warmth or kindness. Blood red were her markings, a star-like symbol on her brow and slender slash marks along her cheeks, she was beautiful and horrible at the same time. I quickly rose to my feet, and felt Keitaro and Kaemon step up behind me, their presence comforting and frightening at the same time, for it was their urgent need to protect me that worried me so.
"Lady," Rin said stiffly and bowed, followed by Keitaro and Maeko's hollow acknowledgement of "Aunt". She narrowed her eyes, and stared at us, and I looked down at my hands, trying to avoid her attentions. A ice cold hand grabbed my chin tightly and lifted my head up, those same eyes scrutinizing me. I quickly wrapped my Empathy around myself like a protective cloak, forcing my fear and anxiety down and I met her gaze with equal distain. I didn't care if this was Kei's aunt, or our hostess, which in all actuality she wasn't, Sesshomaru invited us. She was being rude to me, and that was something I didn't tolerate.
"So this is the creature that has everyone talking," she hissed in a voice that could have frozen fire. I clenched my teeth as she squeezed my jaw harder, to the point that my eyes treatened to water.
"Aunt, this is Francesca," Keitaro said, trying to resist the urge to break her arm, I could hear it in his voice.
"Francesca, an odd name even for a worthless human," she sneared, and I lifted my chin, "I was named after a very holy man," I said through my teeth, and she smiled maliciously, "Perhaps fitting, for you are very ugly even for a human girl, being named after a man may suit you." Her nose twitched slightly and she glanced at Keitaro.
"You, like your father and grandfather before you, have a poor taste in women," she said hautily. I could feel the anger rise up around him like a bonfire, and reached over to place a hand on his, trying to quell his anger.
'She's only doing it to get a rise out of you, ignore it.' I thought desperately as I felt the heat surrounding him begin to die down. Megahna released my face, and I stood stone still, resisting the urge to rub my sore jaw.
"Let us hope you are everything it is said, I do not like liars," she spat and turned on her heel, "I have wasted enough of my time with you creatures." As soon as she disappeared into the house, everyone let off a collective sigh, and Keitaro gently touched my face, noting the dark mark that was beginning to form there.
"Don't worry, if she ever touches you again, she'll lose that hand," he hissed and I shook my head.
"Don't worry about it Kei," I said trying to shake the fear off my skin as it rose up again, now that my control was dropped. Inside my blood still ran cold about ever meeting up again with that woman. She was now my greatest worry.
