Healing the Moon
Disclaimer: Once more I will state that I do not own Inuyasha. I make no profit from this story, nor claim ownership over the characters therein. Midori, however is a character of my own making and while I make no profit from her existence, I would appreciate it if no one stole her from me.
Chapter Eight
Sesshomaru watched the two human females from the porch that rested just outside of his study. The porch itself overlooked a small garden that Rin enjoyed spending her free time in, and the human woman, Midori, had also begun to spend time there.
In the two weeks since he had taken the last of the Hikari clan into his home, he had noticed a significant improvement in Rin's mannerisms. She had quickly taken to her lessons, and as Midori's body had healed, she had extended her lessons to include grammer, manners, and even flower-arranging.
When Machiko had first brought these extra lessons to his attention, she had stated that she felt the human was over-stepping her bounds. He, however, felt that it was time that Rin learn these things, and decided to allow them to continue. Now, as he watched Midori teach Rin about the different plants in the garden, and what they could be used for, he felt secure in his decision to bring her here. However, he knew that such lessons would not last forever. Hikari no Midori was healing quickly. Within a few more weeks, her arm - which was the last of her injuries - would be healed.
Hearing the door that led into the shiro open, Sesshomaru turned and nodded to Ryuuske. "I take it that more of Naraku's saimyosho were spotted?"
"Hai, milord. They were dispatched easily by our scouts. However, the creatures are becoming increasingly bold. I fear that the hanyou is seeking to discover the well-being of Hikari-sama."
That caused Sesshomaru to frown. "What does the hanyou seek to gain by destroying the Hikari?"
"It is unknown, milord. However, I do not believe that it would be in our best interest to send Hikari-sama out on her own once her injuries are healed." When Ryuuske saw the sharp look his lord gave him, he bowed slightly. "Forgive me, milord, but there must be some reason that Naraku seeks to destroy a family who's healing abilities were once hailed as the greatest in all of Nippon. Strategicly speaking, it would be more beneficial to protect Hikari-sama and keep her on as Rin-san's tutor and the shiro's healer."
Turning his attention back to the two humans in the garden, he felt his beast purr in contentment at the sight of the two of them laughing and bonding. "Perhaps you are right. Keeping the woman safe would be the best way to thwart Naraku's plans. And it would make Rin happy if she stayed."
Ryuuske nodded. "Understood, milord. I shall inform the guards that Hikari-sama will be staying." The dragon left quickly, knowing his lord would want to speak with the human woman.
Sesshomaru nodded absently. "Hikari-san," he called, barely raising his voice to call her over. The woman turned towards him and the grin that she sported faded to a soft smile. She calmly walked over, her hands folded in front of her as she settled on the porch in front of him. Rin had followed her over, moving as her tutor did and settled right next to her. "Ryuuske has informed me that Naraku has continued to send his spies in an attempt to discover your condition. This one has determined that in order to best thwart the vile hanyou in his machinations, you shall remain here, with myself and Rin. You shall continue Rin's lessons, and when I travel you shall journey with us as well in order to best ensure your safety."
"Thank you, Sesshomaru-sama," Midori said softly, placing her fingertips on the porch in front of her and slightly bowing her head.
"I thank you as well, Sesshomaru-sama," Rin said in the same soft tone. "Midori-sama has taught me much, and I hope to continue to learn from her."
Nodding, Sesshomaru smirked slightly. "This one has noticed, Rin. Your progress was one of the deciding factors in Hikari-san remaining." He looked at the elder human. "Tonight you shall dine with this Sesshomaru in the main hall. Machiko shall aide you in dressing appropriately."
"Of course, Sesshomaru-sama," Midori said. She and Rin both stood, knowing that their lord was dismissing them. They went to Midori's room, where Machiko was waiting for them.
"Rin-san, Atsuko-san is waiting to help you dress in your rooms," the rabbit-youkai said stiffly. When Rin left, Machiko quickly began to strip Midori of her simple yukata. "Tonight you will wear three layers. Sesshomaru-sama wishes you to dress appropriately for your station."
It took nearly an hour for Machiko to help her dress in the three layers. The bottom layer was a soft cream-colored silk, while the middle layer was mint green. The top kimono was a deep midnight blue with the symbol of her family on the right shoulder and at the end of the sleeves. The obi was a soft lavender.
"At the very least you will not embarrass our lord," Machiko said sourly.
"Have I done something to anger you, Machiko-san. You have been hostile towards me since I arrived."
The servant glared coldly but didn't respond. "Sesshomaru-sama shall arrive to escort you shortly," she said before leaving.
Midori sat on the stool in front of her vanity, a soft frown on her face as she tried to understand the rabbit-youkai.
There is Chapter Eight. My original plan was to post this next week at some time, but inspiration hit and I just couldn't stop typing. This chapter has sat only half finished for nearly two months while I struggled with writers block and personal issues. And now that I have a computer again I will be able to write and update at my leisure. Until I get internet, however, updates will still be sporadic. But it should reassure you to know that I'm not dead and I will be continuing my writing.