AN: Here's the full Chapter 18,. Everyone cross your fingers, I fly out
early Tuesday morning so wish my flight good luck!! Thanks to everyone who
reviewed, I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to name each of you, but I
promise as soon as I'm not flying to post stuff on the internet (which
should be in a week), I'll start doing my review comments again!!
Also, this is my challenge to the rest of you while you're waiting for more chapters. I need a name for the firecat that Keitaro found in the woods. My challenge is this, and it might be a little hard, but you can look at 20000-names. Com for ideas. No Japanese names -grin-. Francesca is going to give him a name, so it will probably be in either Italian or another latin language (French, Spanish, etc). I'd love to see what all of you come up with!!
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone and I don't want to make any money off of my stories. I write for practice, and for the pure pleasure of reviews. And if you don't like it, try catching me at 30000 miles over the Atlantic :P
Chapter 18
A small servant, a tanuki from the looks of it and a young one, ran up to us and told us that dinner was about to be served. We followed her through the larger main building, to a set of large paperpanelled doors, which she knelt beside and carefully slid open. Laid out before us were several tables with cushions placed beside each, one large one at the head and two lines of smaller ones beside it, forming a similar U-shape to the house. I let everyone enter first, to observe them in what to do. A small toad like creature, similar to Jaken motioned us to sit near the head table but not right beside. It seemed that those were reserved for the other guests. Maeko and I sat at one table, Naoko and Kaemon another directly across from us. Keitaro however was lead to the head table, and it was obvious from the look on his face that he had no more clue as to why than we did.
After a few moments, the paneling slid aside again and two men entered, dressed in armor and silken robes, one green and one yellow. They sniffed the air slightly and narrowed their eyes at us, but said nothing as they took their places at the two tables before us. I didn't like them, they kept glancing at me as if I were their prey, and it made me nervous. The main doors opened again, and in walked our hosts. My eyes glued on Sesshomaru's and pure habit made me reach out a small line of Empathy. He turned his gaze to me, and locked cold eyes on mine and I quickly blinked and looked away, very embarrassed. No one had every caught me before, and that made him much more intriguing. He was dressed, as I had always known him to be, long silvery white hair flowing free down his back, white robes with red and blue designs, and armor, protecting his torso, and looped over his shoulders was the object of every Inuyasha-watching/reading fan's curiosity, the furry boa like object that was drapped over his back and around his arm. I cast a quick glance as he walked past and grinned silently to myself. Ha, it wasn't a tail!! I knew it!
On his other arm, Megahna who stared down her nose at me for a moment before casting a dazzling smile at our guests. They bowed their heads respectfully to the couple who took their place at the main table next to Keitaro, who also bowed his head, but I could tell simply by his body language, that being seated anywhere near his aunt was something he was less than fond of.
"Welcome, my honored guests," Sesshomaru spoke up, his deep bass voice not done due justice in the anime. This was full of power and prestige. It reminded me of James Earl Jones in a way, that deep commanding tone. He glanced at me briefly, and I saw something light up in his eyes before motioning for the meal to be served. My stomach eagerly awaited the food, since I had not eaten since the previous day. I prayed that the low rumble had not been heard by anyone else, but I saw Kei's ears twitch slightly and his eyes flick in my direction full of humor and I groaned inside. He had heard, which meant everyone else had heard. I glanced down at my bowl, and tried to avoid looking at anyone, which proved to be impossible.
"Nephew, has your quest borne any fruit," asked Sesshomaru and Keitaro shook his head.
"None so far Uncle, it seems these creatures have disappeared, and not caused any more trouble," he said.
"Perhaps then your quest is useless, perhaps your last attempt succeeded in driving them away for good." Something about the way he was speaking lead me to believe that he was not only asking, but guiding Keitaro as well.
"Well I certainly hope not," spoke up his wife, taking a drink of wine from her glass, "From what I've heard, the only thing this creature hunts is humans. It certainly has my support," she said mockingly, glancing at the other guests who laughed. My party however, merely frowned and said nothing.
"Really, what do the lot of you hope to accomplish against these creatures. Invisible, scentless, that strike without warning, a pitiful group of humans and an equally pitiful hanyou are fighting a useless cause."
"Why Aunt, if I didn't know better, I would almost think that you were concerned for our wellbeing," spoke up Maeko coldly. Her aunt flashed her an angry look as she continued, "At least we're making an effort, I don't see almighty and worldly powerful youkai trying to stop these things, and believe me they are just as much a prey to these things as everyone else."
"Youkai are far superior to any other creatures in this land," she said hautily, and was saluted by the guests as she smiled smugly. I had had enough, this woman needed to be put in her place, and my tolerance had reached its limit.
"You have no idea what these things are, or what you're up against, and if confronted, you would not last a few minutes in their grip," I spat, rising to my feet. She snarled at me.
"Impudent ugly human creature, you have no idea of what power I yield." she also rose to her feet, claws beared. Keitaro jumped to his feet to stop her, but Sesshomaru stopped him with his hand.
"Easy nephew, this woman has made a strong claim, and I am most curious as to how she intends on proving this."
I glanced at him, and nodded my head. That was all the permission I needed. I dropped my hands to my side and stared at Megahna. She still snarled at me, her canines flashing in the light and I took a deep breath. Dropping my wards around my Empathy now felt like dropping a dress from my shoulders. I felt the coolness of my bare mind as all the barriers slipped free and fell around me and I wrapped it around her before she could do anything to stop me. Her mouth fell open, as she realized something was going on, and keeping the bile from rising from my throat, I took another deep breath and began to pull. Deep down in side her, I called to her greatest fears, her deepest secrets. I felt the coldness of her mind, the frozen wastelands that was her emotions, and it shook me. I had never pushed myself so hard before and she tried to push me out, I could feel it. My ears heard her screetch, but I focused harder, my eyes completely unfocused in my work. I grabbed a hold of the oily black mess, and pulled.
She stopped screetching and began screaming, that horrible scream that I heard Yoshi emit the day he was attacked. But still I pulled, and pulled, sucking into myself that fear, that terror, and the worst part was- I was beginning to enjoy it. It was like pouring gasoline on a small fire, and watching it burst into a wild flame. Everything inside me was on fire, and I smiled, I felt my mouth stretch into the grin of those who have gone mad. I loved this feeling, of pure power.
'ROSE!' I heard echoed in my mind, strong and angry and I jumped, dropping my lines of empathy, and the screaming around me stopped. I swayed slightly on my feet, and saw Megahna, her eyes almost colorless with pain, falling to the ground in a faint, and Keitaro staring at me with amazement and something else in his eyes. The guests were on their feet, their ears pressed flat against their head, and the rest of my party stared at me as well, but their eyes were filled with something I never wanted to see in them, fear. They were afraid of me, so much that it was like a hard blow to my stomach.
The guards that stood almost invisible by the doors rushed forward and grabbed me roughly, locking my arms around my back, as if that could stop me from attacking them. I didn't struggle, I kept my arms as loose as I could, to keep from being hurt.
"Release her," barked Sesshomaru loudly, and the guards released me. Sesshomaru stood up and walked towards me, towering over me by almost a foot, and stared down at me. I stared up at him, and felt my knees begin to shake. His golden eyes stared at me intently, before looking at the guards.
"Escort Lady Magahna to her rooms, she is unwell," he said and they hurried to their mistress' side, carrying her away. Then he turned to the guests, "I would like a moment alone, " he said and they nodded their heads, grinning at what I assumed was their thought that I was about to die for my actions. As the doors closed, I heard the quick patter of feet and saw a flash of black at my side.
"Father please, you heard Magahna, she taunted Francesca and provoked her," Rin said pleadingly but he held up his hand for silence and she fell back meekly, and Sesshomaru turned back to me. A flash of light signaled movement, and I blinked only to find a minute later that the point of a katana was fixed on Sesshomaru's neck, and I heard Kaemon's hard breathing on my face as he took a step closer to me.
"One wrong move against her, and you won't live long enough to realize what happened, " he said softly, his voice full of anger and hatred. Sesshomaru merely glanced down at the sword, then at Kaemon and did something I never thought I'd see. He began to laugh, a soft chuckle that filled out into a deep laugh. Kaemon looked confused and even Keitaro seemed surprised.
"Kaemon, I admire your bravery, but I laugh at your foolishness, especially over a woman. You do not realize that I could have moved from the way of your sword and taken your head before YOU could have realized what happened," he said still laughing. Gently he pushed the sword away from his neck.
"Watch out for this one nephew, you seem to have desperate competition for this woman's affections. And he doesn't recognize the signs I have acknowledged," Sesshomaru said, and everyone looked confused.
Keitaro nodded, "Hai Uncle, I have realized this, and if he were not my cousin, I think I would have given him a lesson to scare off this rival," he responded.
"What's going on," Naoko asked, and I glanced at him. He seemed as thoroughly confused as Kaemon and Maeko, who spoke up.
"Oh, it's Inu youkai speech, I've heard Father and Keitaro speaking sometimes," she said shrugging her shoulders, "I never learned it, Father tried teaching me once, when he was teaching Kohana, but it's too hard on my throat," she sighed and shrugged again.
"Inu youkai speech?" I said. How could I have understood perfectly what they had just- oh no. I clapped my hand over my mouth, and everyone turned to look at me. I shook my head and whispered, "Excuse me" pretending I had burped.
It seemed to go by unnoticed by everyone, and I absentmindedly rubbed my wrist, still feeling the mark of the guards who grabbed me. Sesshomaru looked down at me, his face unreadable, and after being caught before, I didn't venture reading him again.
"What sort of magic is it that you do," he said, and in a tone that told me to answer without arguing. I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling very uncomfortable and unease, after all I had attacked his wife.
"It's not a magic, its just something I do. Just as you can smell things I can't and hear things I can't, I can sense the emotions of others, and make them feel things as well," I swallowed nervously. "Ah, but my sense of smell and hearing are part of my nature, an ability that even my brother and his son share from the blood. Human nature does not allow for such abilities, so I ask you again, what magic is this?" There was nothing threatening or angry in his voice, something behind it was forcing me to reason, even with myself, about my abilities. It was then that I realized, that I never questioned my Empathy, not even when it came upon me as a small child of 4, I just accepted that I was different, and never thought to ask why.
"I don't know why," I said after a moment of reflection, "I know it is not in the nature of humans, but I only know that I am unique in this and that if I can use this ability to help those in need, then I do so. I always have, and I always will."
He studied me with those eyes and then after a moment his lips curled into a slight smile, as if he heard something in my answer that he was looking for. With a nod, he lowered his head, whispering in a way so that only I could hear.
"We shall talk more later, when there are not so many ears around, there are things I think you should know, and things you should tell me that I feel you have not told anyone else." I blinked at him surprised as he motioned his hand, "Come, let us enjoy your feast Keitaro, for this is in your honor tonight, as well as the celebration I am planning in a forenight."
"My feast Uncle?" he asked questioningly as we moved back to the tables.
"Yes, your feast. As you are aware, I have no heir and it looks as if that will not change. I have decided after much reflection that I will name you, Keitaro, heir to the Western Lands, and my fostered son. I have sent word to your parents, they are to arrive for the festivities."
I felt my jaw hit the ground, and Keitaro looked like he had just been hit in the back of the head with a big piece of wood. He simply stared up at his uncle in disbelief and was unable to speak. Sesshomaru frowned.
"Close your mouth nephew, it is an unattractive and very unbefitting one who will rule," he lectured and Keitaro quickly closed his mouth.
"Wait a second, don't I have any say in this?" he stammered.
"Of course! Do not think that I would force such a responsibility on you unwillingly. You have until the grand feast of the festivities to make your decision, and if you do not wish to take up this position, I will not be offended. It is a large responsibility for you to accept. There are many who will oppose you if you do accept, and perhaps you will have a harder time than I have had in these many years."
Keitaro nodded his head, and said nothing further, but simply began eating, as we all did in silence. The rest of the meal was small talk, and I felt more and more at unease. The idea of Kei's decision weighted heavily on me. If he decided to take the position, then he might not continue the journey with us. My stomach knotted up with the thought and I only picked at my food, not really hungry anymore. What was wrong with me? Why did this bother me so much? Granted I would miss his company, he was comfortable to be around. The thought of leaving him behind, not being able to see him everyday, gave me this nervous feeling.
What was wrong with me? No one had ever effected me like this, not even- no, not even him. And I swore that I would never let anyone else effect me like that again. But- I swallowed and tried taking deep breaths to calm my nerves, but it didn't work, the knot in my stomach only grew worse.
"If I might be excused," I asked softly and tried ignoring the surprised looks from everyone. Sesshomaru nodded and I rose to my feet, hurring quickly outside to the external corridor, my arms finding comfort around one of the posts, which I clung to like a rescue tube, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. The deep knot in my stomach had spread through my entire body and I wasn't sure if I wanted to hit something or scream to rid myself of all this extra energy. Where was all this coming from?
I had a feeling this wasn't all mine, this was part of my attack earlier, some of that negative feelings, negative energy was still coursing through my veins. I breathed a sigh of relief, it wasn't Kei that was causing these feeings, it was this leftover effect. That made me think, these creatures could absorb all this negativity and it seemed to strengthen them, and it was weakening me. Perhaps the opposite could be true for them. If negativity-hate, fear, sadness and anger-could strengthen them, perhaps more postitive emotions-love, hope, compassion, and affection- could harm them, maybe even kill them.
I felt a hand touch my head and I sighed softly. "Leave me be, enjoy your dinner," I whispered and heard a soft laugh.
"That's what I told him, he didn't want to listen to me, but I figured it might be something you only wish to speak with another woman about," Maeko said chuckling some more as she gently smoothed my hair, like a mother would do with a distraught child. I sighed and pressed my forehead against the wood.
"I don't know if there is anyone I can speak with Maeko," I said after a moment. "There is no one who can understand what I'm going through. As much as I'm grateful for your aid, I think what I really need is to be alone, to try and sort out everything."
She moved and sat along the edge of the walkway, looking out to the gardens, "It's hard being one of a kind, in a world where everyone else is the same. When I was little, I told my mother that if everyone who was different would stick together, then we wouldn't be different anymore. She thought it was childish fancy, but I still believe that's true."
I pulled my head away from the post and looked down at her, "We?"
She looked up at me, swinging her legs absentmindedly over the edge of the landing, looking years younger as she smiled brightly, "Well, if your mother was a powerful miko and your father one of the most famous hanyou to ever walk Japan, do you think they could possibly come up with one normal child?"
I must have looked even more confused because she laughed, "Oh, I look normal enough don't I? That's what most humans see when they look at me, just another woman. But ask my brother some time, or any of the other youkai how normal I am, and they could tell you something different. I may not be a hanyou, but I do carry my father's blood within me, and so I "smell funny" as Kohana likes to tease sometimes. I have excellent hearing, and I can lift far more than I look capable. And just rarely, if I get mad enough, well it's not a nice sight. I don't turn green or anything-wait, what's so funny?" she asked as I burst into laughter. I shook my head, unable to speak as I doubled over, I couldn't control myself. How could I explain what those words mean to me, how do you explain comic books or movies to someone from this time.
"Nevermind," I snickered as I motioned for her to continue. She glanced at me worriedly before shrugging, "Well, it's not something many people know, but I know what it's like to be different, and unlike my brother and sister, I don't know anyone I can relate to. Just like you, I know how hard it is to be different, and not have anyone to speak to about it, no one else who can completely understand."
I smiled and sat beside her, "Thank you Maeko, for trusting me with that," I said softly and she turned to face me, "So, what's wrong?"
I sighed and placed my hands in my lap, "I don't know, I feel like I've swallowed a boulder in my stomach, and I feel like I either have to run or scream or do something or I might burst from all this-this- I'm not even sure what to call it, but it's inside me, and driving me crazy."
She nodded, "What do you think it could be? I'm sure you have some idea," she asked.
"I think it might be all the effects of what I did to your aunt, like the evil I touched inside her is eating at me from the inside, but I don't know how to stop it," I glanced down at my hands, "and I think it's something else as well."
She stared at me a moment, "What?!" her face so serious.
"It has to do with your brother," I muttered under my breath and she squealed. I couldn't resist jumping as she clapped her hands together.
"I knew it, I knew it!!" she said excitedly, and I glanced at her curiously, "Knew what?"
"Well, that you two- I mean- you're real mates now. I mean I wasn't sure at first, but you were so comfortable around each other, and I recognized the first stages, but I didn't think this would come so quickly," she replied quickly, her cheeks flushed with embarressment. It took a minute or two to register in my head before I understood what she meant and felt my mouth drop open.
"What do you mean real mates? Wait, don't say anything, I don't think I want to know, or actually I think I do know and I really don't think I can handle hearing you say it. But what first stages? What are you talking about?" Maeko's eyes grew to the size of plates and she scooted away from me, her face pale.
"You mean-you didn't? I mean-" she stammered and tried to get up but I grabbed her wrist and held her firmly.
"Tell me!" I exclaimed loudly.
Also, this is my challenge to the rest of you while you're waiting for more chapters. I need a name for the firecat that Keitaro found in the woods. My challenge is this, and it might be a little hard, but you can look at 20000-names. Com for ideas. No Japanese names -grin-. Francesca is going to give him a name, so it will probably be in either Italian or another latin language (French, Spanish, etc). I'd love to see what all of you come up with!!
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone and I don't want to make any money off of my stories. I write for practice, and for the pure pleasure of reviews. And if you don't like it, try catching me at 30000 miles over the Atlantic :P
Chapter 18
A small servant, a tanuki from the looks of it and a young one, ran up to us and told us that dinner was about to be served. We followed her through the larger main building, to a set of large paperpanelled doors, which she knelt beside and carefully slid open. Laid out before us were several tables with cushions placed beside each, one large one at the head and two lines of smaller ones beside it, forming a similar U-shape to the house. I let everyone enter first, to observe them in what to do. A small toad like creature, similar to Jaken motioned us to sit near the head table but not right beside. It seemed that those were reserved for the other guests. Maeko and I sat at one table, Naoko and Kaemon another directly across from us. Keitaro however was lead to the head table, and it was obvious from the look on his face that he had no more clue as to why than we did.
After a few moments, the paneling slid aside again and two men entered, dressed in armor and silken robes, one green and one yellow. They sniffed the air slightly and narrowed their eyes at us, but said nothing as they took their places at the two tables before us. I didn't like them, they kept glancing at me as if I were their prey, and it made me nervous. The main doors opened again, and in walked our hosts. My eyes glued on Sesshomaru's and pure habit made me reach out a small line of Empathy. He turned his gaze to me, and locked cold eyes on mine and I quickly blinked and looked away, very embarrassed. No one had every caught me before, and that made him much more intriguing. He was dressed, as I had always known him to be, long silvery white hair flowing free down his back, white robes with red and blue designs, and armor, protecting his torso, and looped over his shoulders was the object of every Inuyasha-watching/reading fan's curiosity, the furry boa like object that was drapped over his back and around his arm. I cast a quick glance as he walked past and grinned silently to myself. Ha, it wasn't a tail!! I knew it!
On his other arm, Megahna who stared down her nose at me for a moment before casting a dazzling smile at our guests. They bowed their heads respectfully to the couple who took their place at the main table next to Keitaro, who also bowed his head, but I could tell simply by his body language, that being seated anywhere near his aunt was something he was less than fond of.
"Welcome, my honored guests," Sesshomaru spoke up, his deep bass voice not done due justice in the anime. This was full of power and prestige. It reminded me of James Earl Jones in a way, that deep commanding tone. He glanced at me briefly, and I saw something light up in his eyes before motioning for the meal to be served. My stomach eagerly awaited the food, since I had not eaten since the previous day. I prayed that the low rumble had not been heard by anyone else, but I saw Kei's ears twitch slightly and his eyes flick in my direction full of humor and I groaned inside. He had heard, which meant everyone else had heard. I glanced down at my bowl, and tried to avoid looking at anyone, which proved to be impossible.
"Nephew, has your quest borne any fruit," asked Sesshomaru and Keitaro shook his head.
"None so far Uncle, it seems these creatures have disappeared, and not caused any more trouble," he said.
"Perhaps then your quest is useless, perhaps your last attempt succeeded in driving them away for good." Something about the way he was speaking lead me to believe that he was not only asking, but guiding Keitaro as well.
"Well I certainly hope not," spoke up his wife, taking a drink of wine from her glass, "From what I've heard, the only thing this creature hunts is humans. It certainly has my support," she said mockingly, glancing at the other guests who laughed. My party however, merely frowned and said nothing.
"Really, what do the lot of you hope to accomplish against these creatures. Invisible, scentless, that strike without warning, a pitiful group of humans and an equally pitiful hanyou are fighting a useless cause."
"Why Aunt, if I didn't know better, I would almost think that you were concerned for our wellbeing," spoke up Maeko coldly. Her aunt flashed her an angry look as she continued, "At least we're making an effort, I don't see almighty and worldly powerful youkai trying to stop these things, and believe me they are just as much a prey to these things as everyone else."
"Youkai are far superior to any other creatures in this land," she said hautily, and was saluted by the guests as she smiled smugly. I had had enough, this woman needed to be put in her place, and my tolerance had reached its limit.
"You have no idea what these things are, or what you're up against, and if confronted, you would not last a few minutes in their grip," I spat, rising to my feet. She snarled at me.
"Impudent ugly human creature, you have no idea of what power I yield." she also rose to her feet, claws beared. Keitaro jumped to his feet to stop her, but Sesshomaru stopped him with his hand.
"Easy nephew, this woman has made a strong claim, and I am most curious as to how she intends on proving this."
I glanced at him, and nodded my head. That was all the permission I needed. I dropped my hands to my side and stared at Megahna. She still snarled at me, her canines flashing in the light and I took a deep breath. Dropping my wards around my Empathy now felt like dropping a dress from my shoulders. I felt the coolness of my bare mind as all the barriers slipped free and fell around me and I wrapped it around her before she could do anything to stop me. Her mouth fell open, as she realized something was going on, and keeping the bile from rising from my throat, I took another deep breath and began to pull. Deep down in side her, I called to her greatest fears, her deepest secrets. I felt the coldness of her mind, the frozen wastelands that was her emotions, and it shook me. I had never pushed myself so hard before and she tried to push me out, I could feel it. My ears heard her screetch, but I focused harder, my eyes completely unfocused in my work. I grabbed a hold of the oily black mess, and pulled.
She stopped screetching and began screaming, that horrible scream that I heard Yoshi emit the day he was attacked. But still I pulled, and pulled, sucking into myself that fear, that terror, and the worst part was- I was beginning to enjoy it. It was like pouring gasoline on a small fire, and watching it burst into a wild flame. Everything inside me was on fire, and I smiled, I felt my mouth stretch into the grin of those who have gone mad. I loved this feeling, of pure power.
'ROSE!' I heard echoed in my mind, strong and angry and I jumped, dropping my lines of empathy, and the screaming around me stopped. I swayed slightly on my feet, and saw Megahna, her eyes almost colorless with pain, falling to the ground in a faint, and Keitaro staring at me with amazement and something else in his eyes. The guests were on their feet, their ears pressed flat against their head, and the rest of my party stared at me as well, but their eyes were filled with something I never wanted to see in them, fear. They were afraid of me, so much that it was like a hard blow to my stomach.
The guards that stood almost invisible by the doors rushed forward and grabbed me roughly, locking my arms around my back, as if that could stop me from attacking them. I didn't struggle, I kept my arms as loose as I could, to keep from being hurt.
"Release her," barked Sesshomaru loudly, and the guards released me. Sesshomaru stood up and walked towards me, towering over me by almost a foot, and stared down at me. I stared up at him, and felt my knees begin to shake. His golden eyes stared at me intently, before looking at the guards.
"Escort Lady Magahna to her rooms, she is unwell," he said and they hurried to their mistress' side, carrying her away. Then he turned to the guests, "I would like a moment alone, " he said and they nodded their heads, grinning at what I assumed was their thought that I was about to die for my actions. As the doors closed, I heard the quick patter of feet and saw a flash of black at my side.
"Father please, you heard Magahna, she taunted Francesca and provoked her," Rin said pleadingly but he held up his hand for silence and she fell back meekly, and Sesshomaru turned back to me. A flash of light signaled movement, and I blinked only to find a minute later that the point of a katana was fixed on Sesshomaru's neck, and I heard Kaemon's hard breathing on my face as he took a step closer to me.
"One wrong move against her, and you won't live long enough to realize what happened, " he said softly, his voice full of anger and hatred. Sesshomaru merely glanced down at the sword, then at Kaemon and did something I never thought I'd see. He began to laugh, a soft chuckle that filled out into a deep laugh. Kaemon looked confused and even Keitaro seemed surprised.
"Kaemon, I admire your bravery, but I laugh at your foolishness, especially over a woman. You do not realize that I could have moved from the way of your sword and taken your head before YOU could have realized what happened," he said still laughing. Gently he pushed the sword away from his neck.
"Watch out for this one nephew, you seem to have desperate competition for this woman's affections. And he doesn't recognize the signs I have acknowledged," Sesshomaru said, and everyone looked confused.
Keitaro nodded, "Hai Uncle, I have realized this, and if he were not my cousin, I think I would have given him a lesson to scare off this rival," he responded.
"What's going on," Naoko asked, and I glanced at him. He seemed as thoroughly confused as Kaemon and Maeko, who spoke up.
"Oh, it's Inu youkai speech, I've heard Father and Keitaro speaking sometimes," she said shrugging her shoulders, "I never learned it, Father tried teaching me once, when he was teaching Kohana, but it's too hard on my throat," she sighed and shrugged again.
"Inu youkai speech?" I said. How could I have understood perfectly what they had just- oh no. I clapped my hand over my mouth, and everyone turned to look at me. I shook my head and whispered, "Excuse me" pretending I had burped.
It seemed to go by unnoticed by everyone, and I absentmindedly rubbed my wrist, still feeling the mark of the guards who grabbed me. Sesshomaru looked down at me, his face unreadable, and after being caught before, I didn't venture reading him again.
"What sort of magic is it that you do," he said, and in a tone that told me to answer without arguing. I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling very uncomfortable and unease, after all I had attacked his wife.
"It's not a magic, its just something I do. Just as you can smell things I can't and hear things I can't, I can sense the emotions of others, and make them feel things as well," I swallowed nervously. "Ah, but my sense of smell and hearing are part of my nature, an ability that even my brother and his son share from the blood. Human nature does not allow for such abilities, so I ask you again, what magic is this?" There was nothing threatening or angry in his voice, something behind it was forcing me to reason, even with myself, about my abilities. It was then that I realized, that I never questioned my Empathy, not even when it came upon me as a small child of 4, I just accepted that I was different, and never thought to ask why.
"I don't know why," I said after a moment of reflection, "I know it is not in the nature of humans, but I only know that I am unique in this and that if I can use this ability to help those in need, then I do so. I always have, and I always will."
He studied me with those eyes and then after a moment his lips curled into a slight smile, as if he heard something in my answer that he was looking for. With a nod, he lowered his head, whispering in a way so that only I could hear.
"We shall talk more later, when there are not so many ears around, there are things I think you should know, and things you should tell me that I feel you have not told anyone else." I blinked at him surprised as he motioned his hand, "Come, let us enjoy your feast Keitaro, for this is in your honor tonight, as well as the celebration I am planning in a forenight."
"My feast Uncle?" he asked questioningly as we moved back to the tables.
"Yes, your feast. As you are aware, I have no heir and it looks as if that will not change. I have decided after much reflection that I will name you, Keitaro, heir to the Western Lands, and my fostered son. I have sent word to your parents, they are to arrive for the festivities."
I felt my jaw hit the ground, and Keitaro looked like he had just been hit in the back of the head with a big piece of wood. He simply stared up at his uncle in disbelief and was unable to speak. Sesshomaru frowned.
"Close your mouth nephew, it is an unattractive and very unbefitting one who will rule," he lectured and Keitaro quickly closed his mouth.
"Wait a second, don't I have any say in this?" he stammered.
"Of course! Do not think that I would force such a responsibility on you unwillingly. You have until the grand feast of the festivities to make your decision, and if you do not wish to take up this position, I will not be offended. It is a large responsibility for you to accept. There are many who will oppose you if you do accept, and perhaps you will have a harder time than I have had in these many years."
Keitaro nodded his head, and said nothing further, but simply began eating, as we all did in silence. The rest of the meal was small talk, and I felt more and more at unease. The idea of Kei's decision weighted heavily on me. If he decided to take the position, then he might not continue the journey with us. My stomach knotted up with the thought and I only picked at my food, not really hungry anymore. What was wrong with me? Why did this bother me so much? Granted I would miss his company, he was comfortable to be around. The thought of leaving him behind, not being able to see him everyday, gave me this nervous feeling.
What was wrong with me? No one had ever effected me like this, not even- no, not even him. And I swore that I would never let anyone else effect me like that again. But- I swallowed and tried taking deep breaths to calm my nerves, but it didn't work, the knot in my stomach only grew worse.
"If I might be excused," I asked softly and tried ignoring the surprised looks from everyone. Sesshomaru nodded and I rose to my feet, hurring quickly outside to the external corridor, my arms finding comfort around one of the posts, which I clung to like a rescue tube, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. The deep knot in my stomach had spread through my entire body and I wasn't sure if I wanted to hit something or scream to rid myself of all this extra energy. Where was all this coming from?
I had a feeling this wasn't all mine, this was part of my attack earlier, some of that negative feelings, negative energy was still coursing through my veins. I breathed a sigh of relief, it wasn't Kei that was causing these feeings, it was this leftover effect. That made me think, these creatures could absorb all this negativity and it seemed to strengthen them, and it was weakening me. Perhaps the opposite could be true for them. If negativity-hate, fear, sadness and anger-could strengthen them, perhaps more postitive emotions-love, hope, compassion, and affection- could harm them, maybe even kill them.
I felt a hand touch my head and I sighed softly. "Leave me be, enjoy your dinner," I whispered and heard a soft laugh.
"That's what I told him, he didn't want to listen to me, but I figured it might be something you only wish to speak with another woman about," Maeko said chuckling some more as she gently smoothed my hair, like a mother would do with a distraught child. I sighed and pressed my forehead against the wood.
"I don't know if there is anyone I can speak with Maeko," I said after a moment. "There is no one who can understand what I'm going through. As much as I'm grateful for your aid, I think what I really need is to be alone, to try and sort out everything."
She moved and sat along the edge of the walkway, looking out to the gardens, "It's hard being one of a kind, in a world where everyone else is the same. When I was little, I told my mother that if everyone who was different would stick together, then we wouldn't be different anymore. She thought it was childish fancy, but I still believe that's true."
I pulled my head away from the post and looked down at her, "We?"
She looked up at me, swinging her legs absentmindedly over the edge of the landing, looking years younger as she smiled brightly, "Well, if your mother was a powerful miko and your father one of the most famous hanyou to ever walk Japan, do you think they could possibly come up with one normal child?"
I must have looked even more confused because she laughed, "Oh, I look normal enough don't I? That's what most humans see when they look at me, just another woman. But ask my brother some time, or any of the other youkai how normal I am, and they could tell you something different. I may not be a hanyou, but I do carry my father's blood within me, and so I "smell funny" as Kohana likes to tease sometimes. I have excellent hearing, and I can lift far more than I look capable. And just rarely, if I get mad enough, well it's not a nice sight. I don't turn green or anything-wait, what's so funny?" she asked as I burst into laughter. I shook my head, unable to speak as I doubled over, I couldn't control myself. How could I explain what those words mean to me, how do you explain comic books or movies to someone from this time.
"Nevermind," I snickered as I motioned for her to continue. She glanced at me worriedly before shrugging, "Well, it's not something many people know, but I know what it's like to be different, and unlike my brother and sister, I don't know anyone I can relate to. Just like you, I know how hard it is to be different, and not have anyone to speak to about it, no one else who can completely understand."
I smiled and sat beside her, "Thank you Maeko, for trusting me with that," I said softly and she turned to face me, "So, what's wrong?"
I sighed and placed my hands in my lap, "I don't know, I feel like I've swallowed a boulder in my stomach, and I feel like I either have to run or scream or do something or I might burst from all this-this- I'm not even sure what to call it, but it's inside me, and driving me crazy."
She nodded, "What do you think it could be? I'm sure you have some idea," she asked.
"I think it might be all the effects of what I did to your aunt, like the evil I touched inside her is eating at me from the inside, but I don't know how to stop it," I glanced down at my hands, "and I think it's something else as well."
She stared at me a moment, "What?!" her face so serious.
"It has to do with your brother," I muttered under my breath and she squealed. I couldn't resist jumping as she clapped her hands together.
"I knew it, I knew it!!" she said excitedly, and I glanced at her curiously, "Knew what?"
"Well, that you two- I mean- you're real mates now. I mean I wasn't sure at first, but you were so comfortable around each other, and I recognized the first stages, but I didn't think this would come so quickly," she replied quickly, her cheeks flushed with embarressment. It took a minute or two to register in my head before I understood what she meant and felt my mouth drop open.
"What do you mean real mates? Wait, don't say anything, I don't think I want to know, or actually I think I do know and I really don't think I can handle hearing you say it. But what first stages? What are you talking about?" Maeko's eyes grew to the size of plates and she scooted away from me, her face pale.
"You mean-you didn't? I mean-" she stammered and tried to get up but I grabbed her wrist and held her firmly.
"Tell me!" I exclaimed loudly.
