Chapter 5: Impostors and Christmas Always Work
Kaori awoke and realized she wasn't alone. Sesshomaru was in the corner of the room, sitting and staring at the floor of the hut. Kaori rubbed her eyes, her very odd dream in her mind. It was a sweet one, but would never happen. It was about Sesshomaru in a very nice tuxedo, proposing to her, flowers and a diamond ring in his hands. He was down on one knee, on a stage, asking her to be his wife. Before Kaori could respond, she awoke.
She stared at Sesshomaru, knowing he hadn't noticed her wake up he would have already bossed her around, ordering her to do something. Kaori got a towel and some shampoo and walked out of the hut. She found her bathing place and striped and lowered herself into the spring. It wasn't a hot spring, but the temperature of the water was warm. She bathed and rinsed her hair. Afterwards, she soaked in the spring, the warm water soothing her. A rustle in the trees was heard and Kaori gripped the towel next to her. If it were Sesshomaru or any other male, they would regret the day they walked in on Kaori.
"Lady Kaori," Sesshomaru said behind the bushes.
"Sesshomaru!" Kaori exclaimed in rage and sunk into the water. It was no longer clear since Kaori had washed so she was covered slightly.
"I realize you are bathing and I am wondering if you would join me once you are done," Sesshomaru told her.
"At this moment, no," Kaori screamed. "Now get lost!"
"That is not possible. I would always know where I am going, no matter where I am," he told her.
"Just return to the village," Kaori growled.
"Yes, my lady," Sesshomaru said.
Once she no longer sensed the presence of him, she rose and dressed in her dirty clothes. She had forgotten to bring clean ones when she went to bathe and she cursed herself on that. She headed back to the village to find Sesshomaru standing at the door of Kaori's hut, her backpack in hand.
"We are leaving, now," he told her.
"I need to dress," Kaori told him.
"Then dress quickly and then we will leave," Sesshomaru said. Kaori grabbed her bag from Sesshomaru's hands and walked into her hut.
"Don't look!" Kaori yelled from inside the hut.
"I would never think of it," Sesshomaru said.
Kaori dressed quickly and walked out, her backpack in hand. She threw it to Sesshomaru who caught it.
"Carry it," she ordered and walked away.
Sesshomaru looked at the bag then Kaori. He followed behind Kaori quickly and some villagers stopped and stared at Kaori and Sesshomaru. An elderly woman of the village walked up to Kaori and questioned her on where she was going. Kaori told her they were leaving to train and she would return sometime later. She explained she did not know how long the training would take and smiled, promising she would return to take care of them. Sesshomaru tugged on her arm and told her they needed to go. Kaori complied and they started walking away towards the training grounds.
Halfway through the journey, Kaori caught Sesshomaru looking at her.
"Yes, Sesshomaru?" Kaori asked.
"We will be stopping at my castle halfway there, if that is all right with you," Sesshomaru said.
Kaori looked questioning but nodded. "I most likely could use a rest around that time," she said. "But I am wondering where Jaken went?"
"He went to join my half-brother on his journeys. It seems that he prefers his excitement than mine," Sesshomaru said.
Kaori slowed down slightly and tried to get the facts straight. This wasn't normal for Sesshomaru. He had been asking Kaori's opinion, Jaken leaving and being slightly... nice? Kaori shook her head and saw Sesshomaru stop ahead of her, looking back at her questioning.
"Sorry, just thinking," Kaori told him with a smile.
"You smile a lot. More than a normal priestess," he told her.
"Well, as I've told you before, I'm no longer a normal priestess. Don't you listen?" Kaori asked.
"I listen. This Sesshomaru always listens," Sesshomaru said.
Kaori raised an eyebrow, but kept up with Sesshomaru. This was very strange. Sesshomaru was acting odd. Kaori lifted a hand to Sesshomaru's forehead and he stopped. He growled at her and she took her hand back.
"What?" Kaori asked.
"Never touch me again!" Sesshomaru yelled.
"Well excuse me! You are acting like you're ill!" Kaori yelled.
"I can take care of myself!" Sesshomaru yelled and started walking ahead, Kaori standing still. She glared at him and saw him stop and look back at her.
"I refuse to follow," she told him.
"Get over here, or I'll force you," Sesshomaru growled loudly.
"Yeah, like you would do that!" Kaori yelled. Before she knew what had happened, she was being dragged forward. He had grabbed her arm and started pulling her with him. She forced her arm free and crossed her arms, following him with protest. They didn't talk to each other for the rest of the journey until they came across his castle.
A barrier was around it, the castle itself dark and damp. Kaori could instantly realize that this was unusual as soon as she saw it, but she said nothing. He opened the barrier enough to allow both through, closing it immediately after he had entered.
"Welcome to my castle. Make yourself at home," Sesshomaru said coldly.
"You live here?" Kaori asked.
"Yes," Sesshomaru said blankly. "I'll take you to your room. You are not permitted to leave it unless someone is with you, understood?"
Kaori nodded and followed Sesshomaru down a dark and damp passage. He came to a door and flung it wide open. He pointed and Kaori walked in, the door closing right behind her. She sat on the bed, legs curled up to her chest. Little did she know that someone she couldn't see was watching her. She couldn't sense his presence or aroa, so he stood invisible to all except three.
Minutes went by and they turned into hours. Kaori got bored and looked around. At the door was her bag. Sesshomaru must have thrown it in after her. She looked through it and found her jewellery box. She brought out her brush and brushed her hair, pulling it into a ponytail afterwards. She put the box back and sat back down on the bed, still looking around. She could tell the Sesshomaru that brought her here was not the Sesshomaru she knew. She suspected he was an impostor, but wouldn't they kill her by now? She sighed and looked around.
"Where are you when I need you, Sesshomaru?" Kaori whispered, looking around. A light whisper was heard responding her question.
"Right here," it said.
"Sesshomaru?" Kaori asked.
"I'm here, Kaori," the voice said.
"Where?" Kaori asked.
"You can't see me?" The voice asked.
"No. Are you in this room? Where are you? What's going on?" Kaori asked, raising her voice slightly.
"Keep it down or he might hear you. I am here, but you are unable to see me. Play along with this guy until I find out what is going on," the voice ordered.
"Sure," Kaori told him.
The door suddenly opened and the Sesshomaru impostor walked in. He looked at Kaori and offered her his hand.
"My lady, follow me for a meal," the Sesshomaru imposed said. Kaori nodded, a complete fake smiled on her face. It seemed the impostor could not see it was a fake one and smirked back.
"So, Sesshomaru, where are we going?" Kaori asked.
"The dining room where we shall eat," Sesshomaru told her and they entered the hall. Kaori sat down followed by the Sesshomaru impostor. He gave her a small cup of sake along with himself. He gave a toast to Kaori and they clanged glasses, taking a sip each. Kaori forgot the technique she used when she faked drinking and took an actual sip. It didn't seem to have any poison or anything like that, but it seemed Kaori couldn't refuse when the Sesshomaru impostor offered her more, though she personally wanted to refuse. She was never good around alcohol. She usually got slightly light-headed after a few cups, and she did. She couldn't contain what she said and felt slightly dizzy. She declined after the fifth cup, the Sesshomaru impostor smirking at her. Kaori shook her head and the Sesshomaru impostor seemed to change form before Kaori's eyes. His silver hair changed to wavy black hair. The amber eyes that belonged to Sesshomaru changed to violet ones. His smirk remained the same, though his clothing changed to dark purples and black robes. He took a glass of sake and offered Kaori his hand. Kaori declined, shaking her head no. His smirk changed to a frown and he pulled at Kaori's arm and pulled her to her room. She tripped several times, this guy never stopping once to allow Kaori to regain her balance. She was thrown into her room, landing hard on the floor. Kaori looked up to see red pants at her head. He eyes traveled up to find a girl wearing priestess clothes. Soul collectors surrounded her and some wrapped around a figure in the corner. Sesshomaru! Kaori forced herself on the bed and the guy told the girl to release Sesshomaru.
"But Naraku!" The girl yelled.
'So, that's his name,' Kaori thought.
"Kikyou, release him at once. I have already shown myself to her, so there is no need to keep him tied up," Naraku said.
'So, that's the girl's name,' Kaori thought.
"Other than he can escape with this woman as soon as I do," Kikyou told him.
"I have him under a medicine where his strength has been drained. Very clever of me, isn't it?" Naraku crackled, an evil smirk showing.
"Demons," Kikyou sighed and flicked her hand at the soul collectors. They released Sesshomaru and he walked smoothly out of the shadows. Kikyou and Naraku left, the door slamming shut.
Sesshomaru walked over to Kaori on the bed and looked down at her. He could tell she had been drinking due to the fact she was slightly swaying.
"Are you hurt?" Sesshomaru asked in his cold tone.
"Did you not see him throw me in?" Kaori asked.
"Are you hurt?" Sesshomaru asked again.
"Shoulder might be injured," Kaori said, shaking her head, "and I have a killer headache."
"Let me see," Sesshomaru told her and touched her shoulder lightly. She didn't flinched or wince in pain and traveled his hand to her shoulder blade. It seemed fine and in tact.
"Your hands are delicate," Kaori told him in a whisper.
He looked at her and she was looking at him.
"I wouldn't want to injure you anymore if anything was broken," he explained and then returned his hand to his side. "It seems nothing is."
"Always have an excuse for everything," Kaori laughed.
"This is not the time or place to be laughing," Sesshomaru told her looking around. "You shouldn't have had that much sake."
"I couldn't stop myself. You haven't had sake before, have you?" Kaori asked and then hiccupped.
He looked over at her and saw a tear escape her eye.
"I know I shouldn't have had that much sake. I should be able to control myself. I'm worthless if I can't control myself," Kaori said in a whisper.
"Calm down and focus. We can deal with everything later," he told her. "We need to escape."
"How? You've lost your strength and I haven't been able to control my powers yet," Kaori said, sanding up. "And they most likely have alerts if we escape."
"Alerts?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Ok, that's good. No alerts," Kaori said, looking around. There was no windows and only one door. The only light came from one candle next to the bed. Fire... Fire... Kaori looked at the door. It looked like it was made out of a metal. Maybe she could use her fire ability to burn the door down or at least a hole through it.
"What are you thinking?" Sesshomaru asked. He had seen Kaori look around for a window, then at the candle, then at the door.
"Maybe..." Kaori mumbled. She looked at Sesshomaru and pointed to a part of the room. "Get over there and stay there, no matter what happens, all right?"
"I would like to know what you are planning," Sesshomaru told her, not moving anywhere.
"I'm taking a risk and I don't want you to get injured while I do this," she told him, looking at her wrists. She found the red pearl and aim the arm that had it at the door. Sesshomaru had taken a step back, but did not go where Kaori had instructed him.
Kaori concentrated on something angry and nothing happened. Sesshomaru touched her shoulder and her body temperature soared. A small flame ignited at Kaori's index finger. She closed her hand, leaving only her index finger extended.
She closed her eyes and her dream of Sesshomaru proposing to her returned and the flame enlarged. Sesshomaru released his hand from Kaori's shoulder and the flame died down.
"Sesshomaru, touch me," Kaori said in a whisper.
He blinked and placed a hand on Kaori's waist and heard Kaori's breath get caught in her throat. The flame then enlarged and hit the door. It started burning through until there was a hole left. Sesshomaru took his hand away and Kaori opened one eye, then both. A smiled was across her face and she saw Sesshomaru walk ahead of her and to the hole. He stepped out and held a hand behind him, stopping Kaori from following him when she came behind him.
"Stay," he told her and walked out.
She stood at the hole, waiting for the moment when she was allowed to go.
She heard some footsteps and stepped out of the hole and saw a small girl holding a mirror.
"Naraku's girl. Escaping," the girl stated in a blank tone. "Die."
"Not today!" Kaori yelled, kicking the small mirror out of the girl's hands and running off. She found Sesshomaru slaying some guards nearby and ran ahead of him.
"Kaori?" Sesshomaru mumbled and looked ahead to Kaori running ahead of him.
"Guess we're fleeing... Now!" Kaori yelled. "Come on!"
Sesshomaru was next to Kaori in a flash and picked her up and carried her out of the castle. Then he found the barrier. It was still up and strong and Kaori nearly laughed. She brought her hand to the barrier and it opened to her. She jumped from Sesshomaru's arms and stepped forward once. The barrier weakened.
"Follow closely behind," she told Sesshomaru he stood close, but Kaori shook her head. "Closer or you'll be cut off."
Sesshomaru stepped forward and was almost touching her. Kaori was obviously blushing and took another step forward, Sesshomaru right behind her. When she went to take another step forward, Sesshomaru held Kaori's waist and pushed her forward.
"Faster," Sesshomaru told her. She sped up and was out in a run, Sesshomaru right behind her. Naraku could be seen on the balcony, watching Kaori and Sesshomaru escape through the barrier. Kanna, the little girl Kaori had run into earlier walked calmly to Naraku carrying Kaori's bag.
"They will return for this and his servant Jaken," Kanna said in a monotone.
"Yes, and I will possess her then," Naraku told Kanna. "Make sure our guest has some pleasant activities while we await Sesshomaru and Kaori's return, but I want him to remain alive," Naraku told Kanna.
"Understood," Kanna said and walked away, leaving Kaori's bag at Naraku's feet.
"She will return. Then she'll be mine," Naraku said to no one. He watched Kaori collapse at Sesshomaru's feet before walking away.
Outside of the barrier, Kaori had collapsed at Sesshomaru's feet.
"We need to keep going," Sesshomaru told Kaori.
"I'm not exactly in any condition to travel, as you can see," Kaori said.
"We need to get away from here or we will be attacked," Sesshomaru told her. "I'll carry you if I must."
"No, we aren't going anywhere. I need the sake to wear off before we do anything," Kaori told him, forcing herself into a kneeling position.
"Lady Kaori, we must get away from this barrier," Sesshomaru told her.
"We will, all right! Just to make you happy! Just Naraku still has my backpack!" Kaori yelled.
"You did not take it with you?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Does it look like it?" Kaori asked, standing up. She swayed and stumbled into Sesshomaru, laughing slightly.
"We are leaving," Sesshomaru told her and started walking away. Kaori swayed slightly and stumbled behind him.
"Wait, please," Kaori begged. They had gotten to a wooded area and Kaori was leaning against a tree. "I can't go any farther."
Sesshomaru was heard growling and looked behind to Kaori from the corner of his eye. "We are still not safe," he told her.
"Well, if I keep going, I'm going to injure myself badly," Kaori told him, falling to the ground immediately afterwards. "Please."
Sesshomaru turned to find Kaori on the ground and he walked calmly over to her. Seating himself next to her, he crossed his arms. He felt weight on his legs and saw Kaori had rested her head on his lap.
"Excuse me," Sesshomaru said.
"Let me rest," Kaori told him, "then we can continue."
"We don't have to continue if it will injure you," Sesshomaru told her in a whisper.
"No, we'll continue if we are still unsafe," Kaori told him in a very light whisper. "I just need to rest."
"You need to sleep," he told her. "You do just that. You'll get sick if you don't. Humans are weak like that."
He expected her to argue with him, but he felt her nod slightly. "You're right. I am weak," she said.
"Kaori... Rest," he ordered in a soft tone. She nodded, but she didn't be quiet.
"Sesshomaru, why do you care so much?" Kaori asked.
"I do not. Do not accuse me of such stupidity," Sesshomaru said.
"I can tell when someone cares. Ever since we met, you have looked out for me. You always want to protect me," Kaori told him. "Why?"
"You are important. You are powerful and can be a good ally in battle," he told her.
"Is that all?" Kaori asked.
Sesshomaru glared down at her. "Are you accusing me of having feelings for you?" Sesshomaru asked.
"No, just asking if you do," Kaori said.
"I do not. Never bring this subject up again," Sesshomaru ordered and felt her nod.
"As long as you don't allow me to get drunk ever again," Kaori said.
Sesshomaru looked down at Kaori. He did not like it when Kaori got drunk and he never want to have that discussion again, but he did not make deals. Kaori didn't seem to notice Sesshomaru hadn't responded to her. She sighed and accustomed her head to Sesshomaru's lap. Sesshomaru did not mind it, but the way Kaori was acting was like she was not afraid to open up to him.
'Must be the sake,' Sesshomaru thought. He looked to the setting sun. The day had gone by really fast. Kaori closed her eyes and fallen into a deep sleep. They stayed there the entire night, peacefully and never interrupted.
The next day, they got Kaori's backpack back and saved Jaken and escaped without anyone noticing them. Then they headed on their way to the actual training area, a few miles east of their position. It was peaceful and entertaining since Jaken often tripped, but no one talked about the day at Naraku's castle. They lived in a hut next to the training grounds together, the only shelter to them.
Sesshomaru had learnt that Kaori's powers were connected to her emotions during their training one-day. He had angered her by tripping her during a battle and she lashed out at him with a lightening bolt. He had finally gotten the emotions covered. Sadness was water, anger was light, joy was earth, but he could not understand fire. She could use that at anytime. It was the one she had mastered instantly after the day at Naraku's castle, but Sesshomaru could not understand it. It was not fear, for she told him she was never afraid. It was not shock because he had once shocked her when he unknowingly snuck behind her and made her jump. He could not find what emotion it was.
During one snowstorm many days after they had first started training, Kaori announced to Sesshomaru that she wanted to go home.
"No. We are too far along to take a break," he told her.
"Sesshomaru, this is important. Christmas is soon and I need to go home," she told him.
"I will not allow it. Your time is odd. There is no where to train or fight," Sesshomaru told her.
"We have a backyard where we can do that. If only you had asked," Kaori told him. Jaken stood at the side, listening on this conversation. He had guessed Kaori was no normal human when he had first saw her in her odd clothes. He was later told she was not from the same time as he was and understood completely what they were arguing about.
"I will not allow it," Sesshomaru told her sternly.
"Sesshomaru, please. This is important to me. I need to go back," Kaori told him.
"How many times afterwards will you need to go back?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I don't know. I still have school to go through, along with my prom, then if I get sick, I would need to go back..." Kaori said and counted down all the possibilities of having to return.
"We will go back for three days and that is all," Sesshomaru told her. "End of this conversation."
"That isn't going to work. I need to go shopping, then celebrate the day, catch up on school work, visit relatives and friends, and also train during this all. It's not enough time," Kaori told him.
"I will not wait any longer than three days," Sesshomaru told her.
"Why don't you join me? Christmas is a great holiday where we reunite with family and friends. From what you told me, you have no close friends and you hate what is left of your family, so join mine," Kaori offered.
"No," Sesshomaru said sternly.
"Please," Kaori begged.
"Begging does not work," Sesshomaru told Kaori.
"Sesshomaru, my parents treat you fine. The rest of my family will as well. Just act... normal," Kaori said. "Or be stuck during this holiday with Jaken only."
Sesshomaru looked over at Jaken, then back at Kaori. "I will join you, but we will not stay long. We will stay for as many days as you need, then return to finish the training," he told her.
Kaori cheered loudly and ran to hug Sesshomaru. As soon as she realized what she was planning on doing, she stopped halfway and scratched her head, blushing. Sesshomaru walked past her, growling lowly. He did not like Kaori's time. It smelt odd to him and her odd contractions in that time were strange. But the food was great, to an extent. The 'hamburger' they had last time there was one thing he did not like.
"We will get as much training done before we leave," he told her.
"There is a blizzard out there. How do you expect to train in that?" Kaori asked.
"This cold is nothing to me," Sesshomaru told her.
"Hello! I'm not a demon like you!" Kaori yelled.
"You will be fine. As you train, you will warm up," he told her. "Or use your fire to warm you up."
"I'm not going out there," Kaori told him, crossing her arms. "And that's final."
"Go pack then," Sesshomaru told her. She turned and head to her bag and started packing. She finished quickly and sat down, her back against the hut's wall.
"We can't leave until the storm settles," Kaori said.
"We will leave immediately after it stops," Sesshomaru told her, sitting directly opposite of her. He glanced at Kaori and saw her shivering. "Set a fire if you're cold."
Kaori pointed to their fire pit and it lit instantly. She sat by it, warming up.
"So, what is this Christmas of yours all about?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Well, we visit relatives and friends and it's a merry time where we exchange presents," Kaori told him.
"What are the presents of?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Usually what the person desires or wants. Like, for example, a small child wants a specific toy; the parents would get him that on Christmas as a present to them," Kaori explained.
"Interesting," Sesshomaru stated.
"Yes. It's a great time. We feast on Christmas day and exchange presents. Usually people can't wait to open presents and open them in the morning of Christmas day," Kaori explained.
"Will I get a present?" Sesshomaru asked.
Kaori laughed and rubbed her hands together, placing them near the fire. "Most likely, Sesshomaru. You are visiting my place, and my parents care for you like family, so you most likely getting something. Though, I wonder what you will get. It's often hard to find out what you desire," Kaori said.
'I desire a kiss from you,' Sesshomaru thought. No, wait. Why would he want a kiss from her? She was a mere mortal. Not anymore, actually. She was a powerful princess, if he recalled correctly. He was training her only for that reason. He only kept her around for that reason.
He had been reminding himself that every day since they had started training. It seemed he had this odd feeling when he was around her. When she went off to bathe, it seemed he missed her. His stomach became twisted every time he thought he had hurt her during their training. His heart skipped a beat every time she touched him, whether accidental or purposely. He looked at her sitting around the fire, warming up as much as possible.
"What is it you desire?" Sesshomaru asked. He heard Kaori's breathing stop suddenly, but continue almost immediately afterwards.
"Oh, well, a new first aid kit could be good. All those injuries I've been getting seemed to use up most of the bandages. Oh, CDs are always good. Maybe some school supplies and a great night with my family," Kaori said, turning to Sesshomaru.
"Is that all?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Yeah, that's it," Kaori said, smiling.
"Anything else about this holiday of yours?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Well, there's mistletoe and hot chocolate. Those are must-haves during Christmas," Kaori said.
"Mistletoe and hot chocolate," Sesshomaru repeated.
Kaori moved from the fire to sit next to Sesshomaru. "Yeah. Hot chocolate is a drink we have. It is like chocolate milk, just heated. Tastes really good, especially after a snowball fight," Kaori told him, laughing. "I remember one day during the holiday; my friends and I had this huge snowball fight. I don't think any of us won. We kept cheating. We were forced back inside at the end of it and had some hot chocolate. It finished the day great.
"Mistletoe, well, it's a Christmas tradition. It's a plant; poisonous if you eat it. But it usually is placed over doorways during Christmas parties. If you are under it with a guy, you need to kiss him. It's a sweet prank everyone pulls. It's fun, unless you are pushed under it with a guy you really don't want to kiss," Kaori told him. She laughed at different parts of her explanation.
"It seems your time is different from ours completely," Jaken said.
"It is. I mean, we are so much more advanced from you, but there are no demons in my time," Kaori said.
"What?" Jaken exclaimed.
"Yeah. I don't know what happened, but there's only humans in my time," Kaori told Jaken. "Though, it's just as dangerous as here, even without the demons."
Sesshomaru completely agreed with that. The shooting that happened the first day he was there, then the guy who threatened Kaori with a knife. He completely agreed it was dangerous, even for him. He looked at Jaken and it seemed he was shocked that there were no demons in Kaori's time.
"But we have all these cool things like the mall, our foods like ramen and omelettes, and even our clothes are cool. Just ask Sesshomaru," Kaori told Jaken, looking over at Sesshomaru.
"I agree that they are more advance than we are, but we are more sophisticated than your time, relying on our minds and bodies than anything else," Sesshomaru told her.
"What do you mean?" Kaori asked.
"Your car and rifles are not needed. If you trained, your time could be as well trained as ours, doing the same damage without rifles and going as fast as a car without it," Sesshomaru explained.
"Whatever," Kaori said, rolling her eyes and yawning. She looked around and realized it had gotten darker in the room during her talk with them. She yawned again and went over to her bedding, falling into it.
"My lord, it seems Lady Kaori has become tired and fallen asleep," Jaken stated.
"Jaken, be quiet," Sesshomaru told him. "Let her sleep so she can travel tomorrow easily."
"Yes my lord," Jaken said.
Sesshomaru walked outside to find the blizzard had stopped. Snow was everywhere, very deep. He returned to the hut and sat down. He couldn't wait until they got traveling again. He had long awaited a travel for a while, becoming bored with the training.
Before Sesshomaru knew it, the sun had rose and Kaori stirred in her bedding. She rubbed her eyes and found Sesshomaru looking at her.
"Dress warmly. We are leaving soon," he told her, walking outside. Jaken hurried after his lord, tripping only once. Kaori had nodded, but Sesshomaru was out and did not see it.
Kaori rubbed her eyes and went through her backpack looking for some clean, warm clothes. She brought out her coat, blue jeans and a sweater. She changed quickly so she did not get cold and walked out putting her coat on. Sesshomaru took her backpack and they started out, Jaken trailing behind them.
They got to the well and jumped through, leaving Jaken at Kaori's village. Once they reached the house, Sesshomaru knew Kaori had not been lying about the holiday. A wreath hung on the door and Christmas lights hung around the doorframe. Once they entered the house, Kaori's parents welcomed them. Kaori got hugs from her parents and she hurried upstairs to drop off her bag and get shopping as quickly as possible. She told Sesshomaru to stay in the house and not to go out. She was gone very quickly and Sesshomaru sat in the living room, awaiting Kaori's return. Kaori's mother sat down next to Sesshomaru, two cups of hot chocolate in her hands.
"Sesshomaru, try some hot chocolate. It's a Christmas tradition," Kaori's mother told him. He took the cup and a sip and his tongue burnt. He put it down, not another sip taken after that.
"When will Lady Kaori return?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Well, shopping for gifts takes a long time, my lord. It will probably take all day," Kaori's mother told him. "But we could go shopping while we wait."
Sesshomaru looked over at Kaori's mother and saw her eyes filled with joy.
"I will change," Sesshomaru told her, heading upstairs. He changed into some jeans and a shirt and headed back downstairs. Kaori's mother was holding two jackets in front of Sesshomaru and asked which one he would like. One was green, the other blue. Sesshomaru pointed to the blue one and Kaori's mother put it on him, zipping it up.
"Aw, Kaori would faint if she saw you in this," Kaori's mother said.
"Must I wear this? I can stand a little cold," Sesshomaru told her.
"You wouldn't want to be stared at, now would you? It would make Kaori so happy if you did this," Kaori's mother told him, putting on her own coat and a scarf. She placed a hat on her head and put some boots on.
Sesshomaru walked out with Kaori's mother and walked down the street. He saw some kids throwing snowballs at each other in an alley and guessed that was a snowball fight, like Kaori had said.
He and Kaori's mother got to the mall and shopped around. Kaori's mother bought some things for Kaori's father and one or two things for Kaori. She saw Sesshomaru was just trailing along behind her and gave him some money.
"Go buy something nice for Kaori and meet me at the food court," Kaori's mother said. Sesshomaru took the money and went off.
He went to a jewellery store and found the perfect necklace for Kaori. He was somewhat glad Kaori had told him about money went they had gone to the mall together or he would know absolutely nothing about purchasing items. He bought the necklace and headed to the food court. He had also been taught how to read a mall map when he went to the mall with Kaori and it seemed to be of good use to him. Unfortunately, Kaori was heading his way, two boys next to her. Sesshomaru first wanted to kill both of the guys, but then realized Kaori would kill him if he were found outside of the house. He hid behind a mall map and waited until Kaori's scent disappeared. He hurried to the food court and found Kaori's mother waiting for him.
"Let's head back. I just saw Kaori and if she saw you, she will kill both of us," Kaori's mother said and they headed back to the house.
Kaori's mother told Sesshomaru to give her the gift he had bought Kaori so she would be able to wrap it for him and so Kaori wouldn't find out about it and he complied. Just as Kaori's mother disappeared into her room and Sesshomaru had removed his coat, Kaori showed up, dozens of bags in her hands. Sesshomaru helped her get the bags down and saw she was beaming at Sesshomaru.
"A problem?" Sesshomaru asked.
"No. I found out on my way back that the snow is perfect for a snowball fight. Our family could have one, girls against boys," Kaori told him.
"Well, dear, your father should be home soon, but we'll have to wait until after supper," Kaori's mother told her, coming downstairs.
"Sure thing!" Kaori said. "While we wait, I can have some fun with Sesshomaru outside, if that's all right with him."
"As you wish," Sesshomaru told her.
"Oh, stop all that crap! Let's have some fun for once," Kaori told him, pulling at his hand. "Come on!"
Sesshomaru complied with her request and went to the backyard with her. Kaori started rolling a snowball in the snow. She told him she was making a snowman. He knew that and helped her, rolling a bigger one for her. They made a few and during the fifth one, a snowball came flying at Sesshomaru's head from over the fence. He growled but stopped when a small kid came around and saw the snowmen they had made.
"Nice work! Hey, sorry mister with the snowball. My friend seems to have really bad aim," the kid said and hurried back to his property.
Kaori came over to him, laughing. "Your reaction is one to be cherished."
"Quiet," Sesshomaru told her, wiping the remaining snow off his face. An odd sound like a horn was heard and Kaori went running into the house. Sesshomaru followed.
"Father! We're planning on having a snowball fight. Will you join us?" Kaori asked.
"You're acting like a little kid, Kaori. Snow does tend to bring the child out in all of us, correct honey," Kaori's father said to Kaori's mother. She just chuckled and fished up cooking dinner. She placed the last plate down and Sesshomaru and Kaori removed their outdoor clothes and joined the meal. It was a roast with some cook vegetables. Sesshomaru wasn't hungry and didn't take any. Kaori didn't mind; more for the rest of them.
As soon as the meal finished, Kaori rushed to get her coat on, Sesshomaru being pulled to also get changed. He did, followed by Kaori's parents. They went outside and started the battle.
First, they each made a total of ten snowballs and a fort. Then the battle started when Kaori threw the first snowball at Sesshomaru, hitting him square in the chest. They made more and more snowballs, throwing most of them blindly. They each were ducking behind the fort, hiding from shots. Sesshomaru was the only one with actual aim and did not hide behind the hut. He avoided all shots and actual snuck to the girls' side and threw a snowball right at Kaori in the head. It turned to a Sesshomaru/ Kaori fight after that, only them fighting while the parents watched in amusement. Kaori carried a few snowballs, waiting for the right moment to hit Sesshomaru. She got good timing for each, hitting him in the chest twice and the face once. Sesshomaru hit her many times while avoiding and both were covered in snow afterwards. Both were kneeling in the snow, throwing just snow at each other. They were having too much fun throwing it at each other instead of making the snowballs. Kaori was laughing and eventually surrendered when Sesshomaru got her hands behind her back and hit her with a snowball a few times. She had called out a cheat, but no one was following the rules at that moment. They were just having fun and Sesshomaru and Kaori were out of breath once the battle was over. Kaori was laughing while Sesshomaru eyed Kaori questioning.
"Is this what you call fun?" Sesshomaru asked.
Kaori nodded. "And there's more fun during the other seasons," Kaori said.
Kaori's fingers started getting numb and headed inside with everyone else. Kaori was laughing as she laid on the couch. Sesshomaru sat next to her.
"That was fun," Kaori said.
"Sesshomaru, may I speak with you?" Kaori's father asked.
Sesshomaru stood and Kaori's mother beamed at him while taking his spot on the couch. Sesshomaru followed Kaori's father to his bedroom and Kaori's father closed the door, locking it as well. Sesshomaru kept his claws ready; he had no idea what this man had in mind.
"Sesshomaru, I noticed tonight you have changed since we have met. You have grown feelings for my daughter and if you were any other man, I would have kicked you out of my house long ago," Kaori's father told Sesshomaru.
"I do not hold feelings for your daughter, nor will I ever," Sesshomaru told him.
"Would you risk your life for her?" Kaori's father asked.
"Yes, because she is a special person. She needs protection seeing that she has immense power," Sesshomaru told him.
"You care for her, no matter how many excuses you hide behind," Kaori's father told Sesshomaru.
"I do not hide behind things, nor make excuses!" Sesshomaru growled. "If it weren't for Kaori, you would be dead at this moment."
"See? If you killed me at this moment, Kaori would hate you and be upset, neither what you want, am I correct?" Kaori's father asked.
Sesshomaru glared at him, but kept quiet.
"Look, you might not understand human customs and I called you here to let you know. You see, we marry, not mate," Kaori's father told him.
"Marry?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Yes. See, you do not understand our ways. Please have a seat and I will explain," Kaori's father told Sesshomaru.
Downstairs, Kaori's mother was talking to Kaori.
"Dear, do you carry feelings for Sesshomaru?" Kaori's mother asked.
"No," Kaori told her quickly.
"Then why did you invite him here for Christmas?" Kaori's mother asked.
"He would have been alone on Christmas. I could not allow that," Kaori told her.
"Uzuha Kaori, tell me the truth," Kaori's mother told her.
"I might have friendship feelings for him," Kaori told her mother.
"Does your fire work whenever you want it to?" Kaori's mother asked.
"Yeah, how did you know?" Kaori asked. Once she saw the smile on her mother's face she hit her head against the couch. "Oh no."
"Kaori, Kaori. This is not a curse. It's a blessing," Kaori's mother told her. "It took me years to master my fire until I met your father. He was from the past, did you know?"
"Dad's from the past?" Kaori asked, sitting up.
"Yes, along with your grandfather and great-grandfather. It's a Uzuha tradition, I guess," Kaori's mother told her.
"But... How?" Kaori asked.
"It's a tradition, along with where the male purposes. I will not tell you where, for you will find out soon enough, but I will tell you that Sesshomaru is the one," Kaori's mother told her.
"What? How can you tell?" Kaori asked.
"He has a vibe about him. What makes you think his half-brother just happened to possess the jewel that you needed? And how do you explain that he had not killed you when you first met?" Kaori's mother asked.
"How did you-" Kaori asked.
"It's in the genes. You can tell. Wait until your daughter falls in love. You'll be able to tell... That is if you have a daughter," Kaori's mother told her.
"This is way too confusing. I'm going to bed," Kaori told her mother.
"This is the truth dear. Do not deny it," Kaori's mother told her.
Sesshomaru stomped out of Kaori's parents' room and saw Kaori. Both glared at each other before Kaori went in her room, slamming the door and locking it. Sesshomaru left the house when Kaori went to her room and went back to his own time. Both were mad at each other without even talking to each other.
Kaori's father and mother met up with each other with nervous expressions.
"That could have gone better, you know," Kaori's mother told her husband.
"Yes, it could have. Let's go to bed and hope this all blows over by tomorrow," Kaori's father said, walking into his bedroom.
"Yes, let's hope," Kaori's mother told him. "Let's hope."