This Un-reality
By: The LadyWhitewolf
And so the world keeps turning. Hehe, I'm liking how this story is going. ' of course. I would. I've taken the time to redo it some. Fine tune Amaya and her followers a bit and re-establish the plot…which I still don't think is evident quite yet. but give it time. It will all become clear.
And so you learn of the Five. The pack of abnormally large wolves that follow in Amaya's shadow. And of Kage, who is sort of like a very unusual big brother (or little brother. Take your pick).
You know….I've given up trying to plan the chapters. Just write, neh? . Anywho. I don't own inuyasha.
Rin sat, patiently, beside ah-un. At her feet was a pile of braided flowers that Jakken had gotten and brought to her to keep her occupied. Of course, she had grown bored of braiding flowers into a chain rather quick, to worried about Sesshoumaru-sama and worried about the black wolves to really pay attention to chain making. Plus, the flowers weren't really good for the job anyways. Jakken-sama didn't know what kind of lowers made the best chains. You had to find the one's with long thin bendy stems that would allow themselves to be tied in such a way that you could braid them. the flowers he brought her were nice, but they had thick juicy stems and the stems broke easily. still, she liked the smell of them and kept them beside her.
Ah-un liked the flowers too, Rin found out. Though the dragon seemed to find them more for eating then for smelling. So Rin let Ah-un eat as many of her flowers that it wanted and just sat beside it humming softly to herself. Her ears were ringing with the howls of wolves, but she just ignored the howls. If she needed to, she could always get on ah-un's back and fly away to escape from the wolves. So they didn't worry her as much as they seemed to be worrying Jakken-sama, who was pacing the camp in agitation.
Suddenly the air around her grew heavy, and the howls of the wolves stopped. Quickly following this silence, a loud booming sound ripped through the area which Sesshoumaru-sama had gone. The ground shook and she could hear trees breaking. The blast lasted for a short time, then ended just as quickly as it had started. She gasped and lept to her feet, but she didn't run into the forest. still her mind wondered about her Sesshoumaru-sama. was he okay? Was he hurt? Did he need help? Of course, the reason she didn't run into the forest was because she knew that despite the possibilities there was no way Sesshoumaru-sama could be hurt. Sesshoumaru-sama was very powerful and nothing stood a chance against Sesshoumaru-sama. especially now that he had that sword Toukijin. Of course, Rin couldn't help but worry that something had happened. But what would she do if something had? She was, as Jakken-sama always muttered, just a human girl.
Jakken-sama started to rattle senselessly near by, poking a fire he had started with a stick and getting hit with an ember. This then sent him into a screaming fit that only stopped when he tripped over Ah-un's tail and laid upon the ground twitching. Rin did her best to not laugh for Jakken-sama's sake. Even though it was very amusing. Jakken continued to lay upon the ground twitching, when Rin noticed that the howling hadn't started again. Did that mean that the bad black wolves were gone?
Rin looked around, into the trees and as far as she could see. there was no sign of wolves anywhere. Only a very heavy stillness was upon the land. The birds were quiet right now, they didn't sing their pretty songs. What did this mean?
Only then did she think of calm Lady Amaya and her wolves. Could the absence of howls mean that she was dead? Hurt? Or maybe she had defeated them. Rin hoped she had chased those black wolves away. She didn't want to find out that lady Amaya had been hurt really bad or even died. Lady Amaya seemed nice, despite being really quiet. After all, Sesshoumaru-sama was quiet and he was nice. Then a single howl rose, it sounded like the howls from before but no other wolves answered it. all the while Rin continued to think of what had become of Sesshoumaru-sama and the lady Amaya. She hoped for the best.
Another howl rose, and birds started up their songs again. This howl wasn't like the one from before. It as clearer, stronger and more flowing then the last howl. And to this howl, other howls rose. Canine voices that melded effortlessly into a singing voice that wrapped around Rin's mind and made her sigh softly. It was music in a way. When the voices died, Rin found herself sitting back down upon the ground. it was like she had been soothed by the sound of those wolves howling. Strange, was it not?
A short while later, the flutter of white fabric caught in the corner of her eye. And she looked to see Sesshoumaru-sama stepping from the trees. Rin leapt up and ran towards him.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!"
She called happily, glad to see him alive and well. though any further words caught in her throat as she stopped short of her goal. Lady Amaya was behind him. Walking tiredly with blood dripping down her body. Her kimono was tainted red, her hair was slightly snarled and she seemed paler then normal some how. Rin didn't think it was possible to appear paler then the soft white of Lady Amaya's skin. Kata was beside her only lightly touching one of Lady Amaya's sleeves, as if that was all she dare do. Coming out from the forest behind lady Amaya was her five wolves. The puppyish one came padding over to Rin and licked her face, making Rin giggle softly. Though Rin's large brown eyes were staring with concern at Lady Amaya. She looked a lot worse then what Rin hoped.
Amaya wasn't quite sure how to respond, of course, when the child came running up to Sesshoumaru then caught sight of her. The last time Rin had seen her, she had been whole and beautiful. Now she was tattered, wounded and dirty. A shadow of what she had been and what she could be. Kata's hand was resting lightly near her elbow, holding the fabric of her kimono. Her wolves milled around behind her, the only one approaching being Geki, who licked Rin's face in greeting. She would have called Geki to order, but she was too tired to do that now.
A strong body rubbed up against her leg, and she looked down at the slightly unstable form of Kage. The proud alpha male growled softly, which made Geki crouch to the ground and slink back to the group, even though he was using her for some form of support. He too was tired. Amaya lifted her head a bit to look towards Sesshoumaru, who had remained silent throughout the whole ordeal. He was watching her out of the corner of his eye, though occasionally he glanced at Rin curiously. He seemed un-effected by the girl's greeting or the apparent shock of Amaya's own appearance. Matter of fact he seemed rather impartial to whether or not it was upsetting Rin or not. Some part of Amaya tisked in disapproval. But what could she do? Rin was Sesshoumaru's to take care of.
Shifting her ice blue gaze back to Rin, she appraised the child calmly for a while longer. Until Sesshoumaru-sama finally decided to speak.
"Rin, go lay by ah-un and get some sleep."
Rin jerked, as if startled out of some spell and looked up at Sesshoumaru. A large smile alighted her face and she nodded quickly.
"Hai! Sesshoumaru-sama!"
With that, the child turned and ran back to ah-un to lay down to rest. Once again, a tisk of disapproval sounded within Amaya's mind. It seemed Lord Sesshoumaru didn't know the proper way to raise a child. But then, why did she expect him to know anything on the subject. Just because Rin followed him didn't mean that he necessarily knew what was best for the girl. Flicking a limp ear, Amaya regarded Sesshoumaru a while until he turned to face her. Face to face with the most powerful demon in existence wasn't an easy thing to pull off. He seemed so serious, so aloft, yet Amaya was attuned to masks. He wore a good one, not wishing anyone to see what lay beneath its surface. She to wore such masks, but she had yet to attain the ability to keep the masks in place under such situations like the one prior to her coming to this camp site.
Kata was tugging on her kimono sleeve. Amaya could feel the fabric pulling against her arm, and it was irritating. She broke her gaze with Sesshoumaru, which had begun to get a tad un-nerving, and gave Kata a disapproving scowl. Kata gulped softly and dipped her head, letting go of Amaya's sleeve. Amaya continued to stare at Kata until the girl hastily began to explain her reasons.
"I just….thought Amaya-sama should sit down."
Kata whispered hesitantly, shifting uneasily upon her feet. Amaya continued to watch the child for a while, feeling Sesshoumaru's gaze upon her and daftly ignoring it. Finally, after much thought and a long disapproving stare, she turn away and sighed heavily.
"A rest….would is nice."
Her voice was hushed, tired and wary. Her gaze lifted to look at Sesshoumaru a moment. Lifting a brow in question, she then glanced around the clearing. There were several large trees that she could lean against; the only trouble was getting to them. With a deep breath she started towards a tall maple, whose trunk was a good foot and a half if not two feet in diameter. Kage was walking at her side, his body pressed against her leg yet his head hanging down. He was as tired as she.
She was almost there when she felt her legs freeze and a wave of exhaustion overcame her. She sighed heavily and was about to just sink to the ground where she was, when a firm arm wrapped around her waist. Effortlessly lifting her off the ground and suddenly she was being literally carried to her chosen place. She glanced up to see Sesshoumaru staring down at her with a raised brow and couldn't help the slightly mortified look that came across her face. She pulled away from him with the haste of a frightened child. Nearly tripping over her long tail, she slid up against the trunk of the tree, her eyes locked on his face. A sharp roughish bark shot from behind them, Kage scrambling after them while making greatly displeased noises of protest.
Sesshoumaru stared at Amaya awhile, startled by her reaction to a simple display of kindness. She stared at him with eyes that shown wide and blue confused and alarmed. Her lips slightly parted as she took in a few quick breaths, then leveled her uneasy nerves. He really had done no harm to her, yet one would have thought he had made some obscene gesture towards her. A firm pressure against his leg was Kage pressing his brow firmly against him, trying to push him away. Kata, hurrying over and looking about as alarmed as Amaya, came to bow before Amaya.
"Amaya-sama, are you alright?"
The worried tone upon the servant's voice made Amaya let her eyes slip shut, and then she nodded slowly. Though the fact she was visibly shaken did not disappear. Sesshoumaru frowned deeply. An act of generosity from him was rare, yet Amaya didn't seem to take the generosity the way others would. She seemed almost appalled by the fact that he had touched her, or perhaps it was general alarm. Why should she think he would help her, instead of letting her go on as she may? Frankly, he would have ignored her if not for the almost troubling sight of one who was so strong being so weak.
One could not forget that even the strong can be weakened; she was no different from any other. Yet he felt sorry for her. Perhaps she could tell that, for her eyes narrowed in suspicion and she wrinkled her nose turning away from him. Her wolves came to ring her, whimpering concern, while Amaya adjusted herself to sit against the tree. He could feel the pin sharp untrusting glances thrown his way every so often.
Yet he did not leave the place where he stood, looking at Amaya and thinking deeply. The she demon different from any other that he had met. He was subconsciously drawn to her. Of course, it was out of curiosity. Which he planned on curing as soon as Kata was asleep. He didn't need the prying ears of unworthy slaves listening in on a conversation he would like to have. Turning, he walked off a few feet and rested against the tree, still watching Amaya.
Amaya was ignoring him. Both confused and appalled by Sesshoumaru's bold act. Though the confusion over road the wounded pride that screamed foul in the back of her mind. She glanced at Sesshoumaru, seated a few feet away against a strong oak, suspiciously giving him a once over. He was doing too much for her, and she wasn't sure why. She hadn't asked him to help her, he chose to offer it. Matter of fact, she had a feeling she couldn't have argued with him even if she had tried, his choice was law. At least in these lands it was. Perhaps battles were handled differently here, perhaps people fought as a whole instead of a one. She didn't know, all she knew was her life as a warrior. Still, was it right to be helped after battle, to have one stand beside you instead of watching on the side lines?
Wasn't that what Sesshoumaru had done? Hadn't he aided her instead of standing back and letting her fight her own battle? Was this proper and she had never known it?
Or was he up to something. She didn't know. To confused and tired to really care. Kata was pulling at her sleeve, adjusting it for her. Amaya flicked an ear in Kata's direction and glanced at the girl. Aisu was lying beside Kata, who was attempting to fix some of the tears in the delicate silk. Soft brown eyes lifted to look into cool ice, and the hands pulling at the tears stopped their attempts.
"Just leave it, Kata. Go rest."
Amaya whispered, in a voice far to tired for one of her stature. Kata, though, knew when not to protest. Amaya's words were law in any part of Feudal Japan, no matter whose territory they were in. Bowing her head, Kata voiced a soft "Hai" and rose to her feet. She moved away from Amaya, giving the white wolf some distance, before laying down in a comfortable stop to sleep. Kyoukan and Geki went over to lay with the girl, while Kage settled down on Amaya's left side, Aisu shifting at her right. Buke was snuffling about a short ways away.
Golden eyes were trained upon her, she could feel it. Turning her head to look into molten gold, she watched. Gazes attempted to penetrate both strong and reinforced shields. Amaya would not give him any more advantages over her, nothing else would be shown. Yet Sesshoumaru was just as rebellious at letting her see into his silent soul. It was only as Amaya and Sesshoumaru heard the soft breaths of sleep come from Kata that even a hint of breaking the silence came. Amaya sighed, slightly heavier then she wished to, and Sesshoumaru cleared his throat. The sound only causing to reinforce her scrutiny of him.
Was there something he wanted? By the look coming from his golden eyes, firm with determination, she believed there was. Though what she did not know. He was focused upon her singularly now, not letting anything suede his attention.
"yes." She spoke questioningly, her voice a bland lilt that did not suit her.
Sesshoumaru merely raised a brow, pondering the tone of her voice before shaking his head.
"Aloft does not suit you." he said mildly, shaking his head.
Amaya stared at him, slightly taken aback.
"Might I ask why?"
Sesshoumaru, not once taking his gave off of her, motioned to her then to the wolves with his hand.
"Your normal speaking tone, like you are using now, is like flutes on the wind. Ever so lightly tinged with pack song, the song of wolves, and hinting only slightly to your linage. You are wolf demon, are you not?"
Amaya flicked an ear, ah so that was it! He was curious about her. She expertly avoided that hint of deep contemplation over her, and thought of the question. Though she did not find that as surprising as he probably would assume it would be. Her kind kept to a secluded part of the far north, it was so very rare that any of her kind were seen.
"You could say that, yes." She spoke hesitantly. Not used to having some one actually question her about her people. Most wished to know her, to get close to her, she had learned to void those who question about things they should not. Yet this was curiosity, pure and simple, he wanted answers because he didn't know something he believed he should.
"A breed, then. Your scent is like that of a wolf demon. Yet it is far purer, hinted with flowers and snow fall. A northern breed?"
She was beginning to like how insightful he was. The faintest hint of approving smile fell upon her lips. One reason her kind could occasionally come to the other lands was because they could hide as a normal wolf demon. But Sesshoumaru was intelligent enough to know that something about her wasn't quite normal.
"Perhaps, I never really thought of it as a breed. I always thought of my kind as a race, a single group who holds characteristics not seen anywhere else. Though I do believe you could consider it a…breed."
The faintest hint of an actual smile came upon Sesshoumaru's face. The appearance cause her a moment of alarm, for she had heard only bad stories of what happens when Sesshoumaru smiles. Yet this smile seemed almost as appreciative of her answer as she was of his observations, how strange. She had never heard of him being…conversational. She took a moment to give him a once over, attempting to see if he was hiding something, anything. Yet he radiated relaxation. He was completely at home with the situation.
"Mind if I ask, then, what exactly you call your Race. I've never seen one quite like you."
At this moment, his eyes gave her an appraising once over that caused her to fight down the urge to blush. He was asking a legitimate question and adding it with a curious appraisal that was all. Still, the gaze coming from those molten gold eyes caused her to lose her breath for a moment. He was being polite, yet she felt the sudden urge to resist. Plus, she wasn't sure if it was wise to speak of her race to the great lord of the west. She could only think of what happened the last time a clan had found out about her people. Her race was a dwindling one, ever caught in an unending war. She didn't wish to risk more harm to her people. She frowned a bit; letting her eyes slip shut then, open slowly. Her voice soft as she rebuked.
"I cannot say."
Sesshoumaru's expression turned to slight annoyance, but she didn't back down. Her stance in this conversation was firm; she would not yield that information to him. Sesshoumaru could tell this himself, she would not break.
"Mind if I ask why."
"The matters of my race are not of that to be concerned with others."
"You have brought these same matters into my lands, making it a matter of mine." His voice was sharp.
"Unintentionally mind, I do not have a reason as to why they followed me this far. They have been baying at my heels for a few weeks now." Amaya replied shortly and coolly. Disregarding Sesshoumaru's disapproval.
Not something that went over well with Sesshoumaru. So used to getting what he wished easily, he wasn't' used to finding one who could easily cut off his insistence with firm resilience. To make matters more annoying, he was starting to think he wasn't dealing with just any demon either. She behaved like that of one who has a position to uphold, refusing to give information out to those she deemed un-needing of that information. She reminded him a lot of himself, which was slightly un-nerving. She also appeared like the lady who had saved Rin, not the young she demon that was cornered in a battle she couldn't handle. Still, this didn't dampen his disapproval.
"And who are they!" he pressed.
"Wolf demons." She countered shortly.
He could understand that, though the reason that a clan of wolf demons would be after this unusual one was unknown to him. Yet as he was about to question further, he took note that Amaya's eyes had slipped shut again. She was relaxed against the tree, the wolf Kage had lain himself out against her left leg and the other wolf had her head resting against Amaya's other hip. She was too comfortable where she was, and her breath was slowing. Startled, he started to speak her name, when he caught himself just in time. The concern for her was uncharacteristic of him. This rebellious lady wolf didn't deserve his concern. Yet he had felt it, even though he could now tell that she was merely slipping into sleep. He continued to sit and watch her, as she slept, questions that he thought would leave upon getting some answers plaguing him even more.
By the time the first rays of dawn were creeping upon the clearing which Sesshoumaru sat, he had only come to one conclusion for one of the questions running through his brain. Why wouldn't she tell him about her race? It had taken long hours of appraising the sleeping lady till he came with two observations. One, she was too young to being the scale of fighting he assumed she was doing. Two, she was protecting her entire race by keeping any further information about them secret. If there had been a massive amount of wolf demons chasing after her, what stopped them from going after her people? Perhaps there was more to this young lady wolf then what he could see with his own two eyes.
His golden eyes watched as a pale ray of light crept around the trees and lay across the still body of Amaya. Her body suddenly cast in a dull glow, like that of the moon. As if answering to the touch of the sun, Amaya's eyes flickered open, a lock of her long white hair falling into her face. Calm blue eyes gazed at the proud Kage that slept beside her, then lifted to look at her surroundings. Body shifting to make it possible for her to stretch her long limbs a bit, as her head slowly moved to take in the entire clearing. He watched the soft shimmer of her hair in the sun, and the faint hint of dew upon the pale skin. Then her gaze fell upon him and he saw her tense a moment, as if startled.
She was, for one a few centuries younger then he, very beautiful. Exotic and different, and strong. One more much thought about idea came to surface and was acknowledged. He would get her a new kimono. The one that hung, torn and stained, upon her slender body would no longer do. She deserved to look respectable at least.
Their gazes held for a while, till Sesshoumaru looked away and Amaya gulped silently. To wake up and find Sesshoumaru staring at her was both frightening and baffling. Though dawn was the ideal time for him, as he was a silver beacon in the light of the morning, the soft golden glow of dawn accentuating his handsome face? Though she pulled off her gaze as curious and startled, she allowed herself a moment to get a good look at him. She suddenly felt honored by his presence, as well as embarrassed by her appearance. When he rose to a standing position, she started. This woke Kage, who lifted his great head and yawned before nuzzling a hand. Aisu also awoke, giving Amaya's sleeve a slight lip of greeting. The two wolves rose to their feet and began to stretch, as their mistress watched Sesshoumaru warily. He was watching his pack animal and Rin. His servant was sound asleep upon the animal's back. She didn't jump, thankfully, when he spoke to her.
"I'll take you to a weaver I know of who can throw together a Kimono suitable for you. I'm sure you would like to get out of that mess…"
That was all he spoke to her, before he walked off to wake his servant and Rin. Amaya stared after him, carefully hiding her amazement. She waved Aisu off to wake Kata absently, as she attempted to make sense of what he said.
A weaver? To make her a new kimono? Why ever would he go through the trouble? He was so confusing, and she wasn't sure if she liked that. What could she do? She couldn't change him, which would be like trying to stop the tides or the path of the sun through the sky above. Physically, mentally and magically impossible. She wouldn't want to anyways; it was just how Sesshoumaru was. To change that would make him different. Slowly, she gathered her sore legs under her and rose to her feet. The hours of sleep that she had enjoyed had vastly improved her strength; she was feeling much better then she had the day before. Though her arm burned with pain at any jarring movement, she knew that most of her other wounds were rapidly healing themselves.
Soft footsteps made her turn her chilling gaze upon Kata. The girl had her head bowed in respect, and bowed as she game to stand before Amaya. Geki and Kyoukan walking up to nuzzle Amaya's leg. Buke came after them, liping lightly at her fingers. Amaya inclined her head gracefully, silently acknowledging them, and then walking after Sesshoumaru. Kata fell into step behind her, her five falling into ranks around her. Sesshoumaru was waiting patiently beside his pack animal, Ah-un did he call it? Rin was resting atop the pack animal, yawning sleepily. His servant was standing with the reins to the two headed dragon upon the ground. Rin smiled at her as Amaya walked up.
"Good Morning Amaya-sama." she murmured drowsily.
Amaya inclined her head to Rin, a gentle wisp of a smile upon her face. Soft white ears flicked forward to stand alert and long tail swept to the side behind her. Rin giggled, smiling as bright as the sun, pleased by the silent greeting of the lady. Warmer then her Sesshoumaru-sama's greeting, but still dignified and graceful. Sesshoumaru brushed passed Amaya, glancing at her casually before moving on. Sesshoumaru's servant, Jakken, fell into step behind him. Amaya walked beside the pack animal, a parallel to Rin. Kata in step behind her, with the wolves free to go where they wished. Amaya's ears flicked to keep all in check. her hearing trained on the location of servant, wolves and Sesshoumaru. her eyes were locked on Sesshoumaru's back. Watching how his silver hair sighed as he moved, how the boa around his shoulder rippled softly in a faint breeze. His clothes were in perfect order, making her all the more embarrassed at the state of her once stunningly beautiful kimono. Then her gaze landed on the two blades that rested at his side. One resting within a protective sheath while the other lay bare to the world.
A faint whisper in her ears made them flick uneasily. She couldn't place the whisper, but she noticed a change in Sesshoumaru's posture. He had glanced at his swords. Not a falter in his step, she saw him lift his hand to presumably rest it upon the hilt of one of his swords. Which she did not know, but the whisper disappeared. Curious. Amaya was starting to think today was going to be very interesting indeed.
The day passed slowly, though Sesshoumaru had stopped the group only once. Amaya had persisted in prolonging the pause, as she took a slightly un-natural interest in Rin. Insisting that her wolves help Rin find something to eat, and encouraged Rin to get a good drink from a near by brook before starting her play. It had annoyed him slightly, for there was no need to baby the girl, but Rin seemed to adore the attention so he didn't interfere. After their pause he had pulled Amaya aside to speak with her. the lady wolf staring at him in an almost uneasy fashion.
"does Kata need your presence, I would like to go a bit faster…"
He glanced casually at ah-un, looking back in time to see Amaya turn her gaze to the two headed dragon. Then she glanced up at Sesshoumaru, the look she had given him was contemplative. Lifting a hand to pull her hair from her face, tucking it to rest upon the side of her head. How ever she got the hair to stay, for her ears were not like normal ears, he didn't know. finally she had answered with gentle unease.
"I do not wish to leave Kata without a proper guard."
"if Jakken was to be left here with her?" he pressed.
Amaya shifted, still appraising him, "and what of Rin? It'll pose an inconvenience and more danger then safety to have two young ones running around. And pardon for me saying so, Jakken does seem to be rather…..incompetent when it comes to fending for himself…"
Sesshoumaru couldn't help the inward smirk the appeared as he heard that. For before they had paused, Jakken had a rather nasty confrontation with Buke. The toad ended up buried in the ground, while they had continued on. Amaya had a point, which made him frown a bit, but he could see no reason why Rin could not come alone. Rin could do with a new kimono and a spare as well.
"We'll bring her with."
Amaya had seemed agreeable with that. After a few short words to Kata, while he called Rin to him and spoke to Jakken, Amaya slid easily upon the back of the pack animal. Her tail resting lightly upon her lap, ears flicking forward and waiting patiently. Rin had then crawled up onto Ah-un's back and scooted over to sit beside Amaya.
And so it was that now they were approaching their destination. Sesshoumaru quiet and contemplating, hearing the soft whip of Amaya's hair and tail in the wind and Rin's rapid talking. Amaya hadn't spoken a word since they had lifted into the air, not that Sesshoumaru minded. He could only tolerate so much chatter, not that Amaya seemed to be a talkative type. Instead he was getting an almost secretive and silent feel from her. the feel of one who was meant to be seen and rarely heard. He cast a casual glance behind him and saw Amaya, Rin braiding a small part of the lady's hair, with her eyes closed. An almost uneasy feel was coming off her as ah-un started to move to the side. Sesshoumaru faced forward and corrected ah-un's path. The Weaver's hut was not even a mile away, matter of fact he could see it amongst the trees even now. with a single motion, he urged ah-un faster.
The two headed dragon made a soft groaning noise and swooped down, soaring quickly over the tree tops. Then swooping down into the clearing where the weaver's hut sat. Ah-un touched upon the ground with a dull Thump and Sesshoumaru moved him forward. From the doorway in the hut, a women appeared with large black eyes. her storm gray hair was braided and bound in a bun at the base of her neck. the skin was deathly pale, and the kimono she wore was a deep gray. She smiled politely and bowed as he dismounted.
"Milord Sesshoumaru, what a nice surprise. I see you have brought Rin to me for another fitting, young ones do grow so fast. But who is your other companion."
The hidden implication upon her tone made him give her a cold, sharp look. The woman bowed and voiced a quick apology.
"I forgive me, Milord. I did not mean to imply anything."
Sesshoumaru nodded, hearing Rin thump to the ground and come up beside him.
"Hi Lady Hachi!"
Hachi, rising from her bow, smiled at Rin.
"Good afternoon Rin. Come inside, let me see if I can find a good pattern for you."
Rin nodded and ran forward and into the hut, while Sesshoumaru looked behind him. he was rather amazed to see Amaya still resting upon ah-un. Her eyes were closed and she had a strangle hold with her good arm upon the ribbons of ah-un's saddle. Her tail was coiled up and she seemed to be taking slow, shallow breaths. Turning, he frowned and took a step towards her.
"Lady Amaya, are you well?"
Amaya gulped down a breath and spoke slowly, carefully, "I do believe I am alright."
She spoke softly, sliding carefully from ah-un's back. Her tattered kimono ripping a bit more as she did so. she appeared a bit paler to him, ears slightly limp. A flicker of concern glimmered in his gaze, before Amaya shook her head and waved a hand at him.
"don't worry about me, I…just don't take flying like that very well."
She whispered warily. Weaving a bit as she adjusted her balance, then walking towards the hut. Her tail wafting smoothly behind her, movements flowing into one graceful gliding motion. She didn't see the slight shock upon Sesshoumaru's face, as she had unknowingly identified the reason Sesshoumaru had been staring at her so intently. Nor did she see the way his eyes trailed down her body, observing the wounds beneath the kimono that were rapidly disappearing and the pure perfect snow white skin. how her hair fluttered like feathers in a gentle breeze, or how she appeared much older then she was as she paused at the door to the hut and glanced behind her to give him a curious glance.
Then she was gone from his site, entering the door without a word. Her ice blue eyes turned to look about the hut, seeing Hachi measuring Rin to make her a kimono of the right length. The woman paused a moment as Amaya entered, staring at her curiously. Her eyes appraising Amaya as much as Amaya appraised her. Hachi was half demon, part spider demon, if Amaya's nose was correct. Her hands flew as she sew together a piece of kimono then checked the length on Rin. Tisking slightly, she undid a few stitches then re-sew it to the right length. She seemed to stitch faster then she spoke, as she acknowledged Amaya.
"Hello Milady, do forgive me for not introducing myself. I do not like to keep Lord Sesshoumaru waiting. My name is Hachi, might I ask your name?"
Amaya stared at the woman, which made Hachi pause and lock gazes with Amaya. the woman suddenly dipped her head and bowed to Amaya, her voice apologetic.
"I'm sorry, I seem to be being to forward today…"
She corrected quickly. Amaya merely nodded, her gaze shifting to Rin. The girl was standing as still as possible, her arms outstretched, and waiting as Hachi finished part of her new kimono. The fabric was a pale yellow with delicate flower patterns in a bright orange and red over it. it seemed light yet thick enough to keep the child warm when it got colder. As Hachi slipped another piece of fabric over one of Rin's arms, the girl smiled at Amaya.
"What do you think of the Fabric Amaya-sama? did I choose well?"
Amaya, stepping away from the door way, came over to run her hand lightly over the pattern. Her long tail twitched as she contemplated, feeling the fabrics thickness and the texture. It was defiantly a good choice, it would wear well and last longer then a kimono of finer silk for it was merely cotton. Still, the child had subconsciously chosen really well. Amaya gave Rin a slight nod, and stepped away as Hachi removed the pieces. Rin laughed a bit and hopped down from the little stool Hachi had set for her.
"thank you for being so patient Rin, you can go outside, I'll have your kimonos sown up in no time now." Hachi said cheerfully, watching Amaya cautiously.
Rin cheered and ran from the hut, calling to Sesshoumaru as she did so. then Hachi began the effortless sowing that seemed to be a birth right to her. she finished the first kimono in a moments time, then began to measure out the fabric of a second bolt of cloth of the same pattern. Occasionally she would shoot Amaya a casual look, but Amaya was no more interested in the half demon then for the purpose which she came.
Finally, Hachi spoke.
"Your name is Amaya?" she spoke softly, hesitantly.
Amaya turned her gaze to focus directly on Hachi's face, the woman cringed.
"Yes."
Hachi, recovering from the sharp stare, smiled uneasily. "it's a very pretty name."
"thank you…" Amaya replied shortly.
"do you need a new kimono, or are you getting that one sown…"
Hachi motioned at Amaya's tattered and torn kimono. Amaya glanced down at it, and sighed sadly.
"a new one…"
Hachi just nodded, subconsciously noting that Amaya seemed to be regretting the need. Still, she flew through Rin's second kimono then picked up a measure. Facing Amaya, she took in the lady demon. She had to be Six feet if an inch. Lightly built, slender and refined. A face that was angelic yet with high cheek bones and an aloft tilt to her nose. Angular eyes stared back at her from under fine curving brow. The markings upon her face were bold and prominent against her pure white skin. soft white hair that seemed to be spun of silk flowed around her as light as a cloud. Two ears were pricked towards her as she observed the young woman, then Hachi heard the soft waft of something fluttering through the air. A tail, as light as her hair, shimmered from behind her as it moved to one side. Hachi had to agree with the choice of a new kimono. For the blood stained and tattered kimono she wore did the young woman no justice. Bowing to Amaya, Hachi motioned to the place Rin had been standing while moving the chair out of the way. Amaya moved smoothly around her hut and stood in the place that Hachi indicated.
Then Hachi came to a pause, for what colors would do for this creature of purest white. Red was to bold for the paleness of her skin, as were oranges and yellows. She needed cool colors, to match her cool demeanor. So she began to move bolts of cloth around, searching hard till she came upon never used bolt of cloth. It was a soft robin's egg blue, with cobalt and silver embroidery upon it. it had taken Hachi ages to complete this bolt of cloth and, though many had wanted it, she had never used it. now, as she looked at Amaya, who was watching the small fire she had going silently, she nodded. This would be perfect for her. laying the cloth before Amaya, she bowed her head.
"will this cloth do?"
She felt the slightest touch upon the silk, running lightly over it, then a voice like nothing she had ever heard before touched her ears.
"it's beautiful."
An appreciative whisper came from the mouth of the lady before her. she glanced up to see Amaya appraising some of the flower and bird patterns, and smiled.
"only the best for a costumer as beautiful as yourself Lady Amaya. only the best."
Amaya inclined her head and smiled warily. Then, Hachi began to measure and plan. The length had to be just right, the style exotic and extravagant. As she cut the cloth she already had the image in her head. She knew how the garment would wear, she could just see it in her head. She carefully fitted each piece to Amaya, adjusting the length of the back of the kimono so that it would make a slight train behind her. her sleeves would be styled like Sesshoumaru's own haori, yet the light layers would keep it lighter and allow it to flow. She chose a slightly darker sky blue obi to pair with it, the pattern identical to the pattern on the paler blue fabric. Even though it had seem like such a short time since she started, the fire was nearly dead when she was complete with Amaya's kimono. The entire time, Amaya had rested calmly in that one place. She hadn't even winced when Hachi had jarred an apparently injured arm to hard.
Yet as Amaya settled the new kimono around her, praising softly the fit of it and the style. So unique, so beautiful, Hachi nodded modestly to the gently spoken words. Bundling up the old kimono and tossing it on the fire, before smiling up at Amaya.
"you best go, I don't think Lord Sesshoumaru will like having been kept waiting for so long."
Amaya merely nodded and moved smoothly towards the door. The kimono was as light as a cloud upon her body, it rippled with her as she moved. It settled around her as she paused by the door, hearing Rin laughing and running around outside. Her long tail, which had momentarily caused confusion as to how to sew around for Hachi, flicked. Her ears twitched and she sighed. And why ever was she suddenly nervous. She stepped from the hut and into the dying light of the sun.
Sesshoumaru's golden gaze turned towards her, and she nearly froze at the stunned look in his eyes. though kept his voice from showing as much, his eyes widened ever so slightly. Flicking her ears back in embarrassment, she moved towards them. the sigh of fresh silk was music to her keen ears, as was Rin gasping praise at her kimono. She had hoped it was beautiful. Though she wasn't so sure, Sesshoumaru's reaction was unsettling. She walked passed him and stood at Ah-un's flank. Sesshoumaru's mouth had gone dry, unable to form words if he had tried. Hachi had outdone herself, accentuating the already startling beauty that Amaya possessed. He was suddenly not so sure about his decision to let Amaya follow in his company until she was healed.
He was starting to feel overwhelmed. Scared even. as he watched Amaya carefully slip onto ah-un's back, giving him shaken glances every so often. He had to gather his control, it wasn't worth making Amaya think that he was up to something. He wasn't, he didn't want anything more from her then answers to questions that only she could answer. Yet, as he picked Rin up and set her down next to Amaya and settled in the saddle with the reins, another thought popped into his head.
If she unconsciously made him react in this way, then what would happen if he actually started to like her…
Note: Hey, so here's revised chapter three. I'm sorry if Sesshoumaru or Amaya appear off from other chapters or something. I'm afraid I was in a "no muse" rut and I'm attempting to crawl out. And once I started writing I got in the grove. So I like how the chapter is. I am just apologizing for any peculiar offness to it XD
