Heat 5

The following morning Kaoru awoke to find herself alone in the room. Sighing in relief, she pushed the covers away from her and stretched. It felt better to not have those amber eyes boring into her; it made her overly self-conscious. Kaoru stood, her feet padding along the cool wooden floors. The old wood was smooth from years of use, and it made the room much more comfortable. She liked the rustic feel of her room; anything too fancy would have made her feel severely out of place.

By the light in the room, Kaoru could tell that it was still fairly early in the morning, perhaps eight o'clock or so. Glancing around she noticed that someone had set a kimono and obi on the floor just inside the door. Moving to retrieve it, she noticed that it had a rather beautiful design. It was a deep blue at the bottom that lightened only slightly towards the top to a more traditional blue. Embroidered throughout the fabric were tree branches adorned with flowers and scattered butterflies. Whoever made it must have spent a long time on the embroidery. Kaoru felt she shouldn't be given something so fanciful to wear, but she had no other clean clothes, so with a sigh, she began to change. It took her longer than normal to ready herself since it had been a long time since she had worn a traditional Kimono.

Kaoru heard some movement outside her room before there was a soft knock. At first she thought it might be her red haired tormentor, but quickly thought better of it since he didn't seem like the sort to knock. Finishing the cord on her obi she slid the door open, on the other side was a short woman. The girl seemed younger than Kaoru, though only by a year or two, but when their eyes finally met, Kaoru couldn't really be sure. The girl was a demon for sure; the vivid green eyes couldn't belong to anything but.

Kaoru couldn't help but think how cute the smaller girl was, though her shoulders seemed slumped as if she had a great weight upon them. Interrupting their assessment of one another was Kaoru's stomach growling and she blushed in embarrassment. But the smaller girl smiled suddenly and said; "Kenshin asked me to make sure you got breakfast."

Kaoru sighed in relief, "Thank goodness, it's been a while since I ate. One second I still have the rice I brought with me." Kaoru turned and hurried to grab the bag of rice while Misao waited at the door. Turning to cross back across the room with the rice in hand, she couldn't help but smile.

"I began to wonder if demons eat as often as humans."

Misao began leading her down the simple halls to the kitchen, "Well some do, and some don't. Ah, I'm being rude." She stopped and turned towards Kaoru, "My name is Makimachi Misao, but everyone just calls me Misao." She grinned.

Kaoru smiled, liking this girl already, "I'm Kamiya Kaoru, please call me Kaoru." Misao sighed in apparent relief, then began walking again, "I was a little worried what you might be like to be honest. Kenshin doesn't usually keep company, much less in his won room. How did you come to be here?" Misao asked, a much happier note in her voice.

Kaoru couldn't help but feel she was finally making a friend, something she hadn't had in quite a while. The question seemed simple enough, though Kaoru wasn't really sure where to start.

"Well… I was pretty much cast out of my town I suppose, and left in the woods at night. A toad demon attacked me, not like I really knew where I was going anyways, but Kenshin just sort of showed up. He healed me and forced me to follow him here." Kaoru felt that was a decent summary. Misao paused in the entry way and Kaoru noticed a beautiful stone fountain that she had somehow missed when she first arrived. Looking away from the fountain she saw Misao looking confused and apparently deep in thought.

Kaoru stepped closer to Misao and asked, "What is it?"

The smaller girl pursed her lips for a moment before answering, "I'm sure it's really not a big deal, there might be something I don't know or that… well not it' wouldn't be different for Kenshin. Ugh!" she ruffled her hair, "it's just, demons like Kenshin don't just offer their blood to ANYONE. So it's quite strange that he would give you, someone he just met, his blood. Him giving you his blood could be harmless since you're just a human, but it gives you access to his soul. I'm guessing you haven't really felt it though… maybe humans really aren't able to sense such things… no offense." Misao tried to wave it off.

Kaoru frowned, "Even if I felt it… I probably wouldn't know that's what it was. Could you… teach me more?"

Misao grinned, "Not to worry, I think that is something Kenshin also wishes for me to do. First, lets get you some food; we're near the kitchen now. This side of the house is much more luxurious, this is usually where guests stay, but Kenshin prefers more simple things, which is why the other side of the house is vastly different." She began walking again as she finished, and Kaoru once again began to follow.

They went through a large and beautiful courtyard that had a small bond full of large koi. Kaoru left Misao's side to get a better look at the fish.

"This is where events are usually held." Misao explained, watching Kaoru.

"You have events?" Kaoru asked absent-mindedly and Misao laughed.

"Of course we do."

Kaoru realized she knew nothing of this new world in which she was now immersed, and found that fact to be somewhat frightening. It was an entirely different way of living, and she had no idea of what was now expected of her.

"Come. I'll show you more later, but at this rate, we'll never make it to the kitchen." Misao chuckled. "Don't worry so much right now. It seems that for now, Kenshin intends to take care of you."

Kaoru nodded and began to follow Misao once more. She really loved the garden, it was large with stone paths cut through it, and the pond was actually rather large, though small in comparison to the vastness of the courtyard. The kitchen was rather close to the courtyard and they entered through elegant double wooden doors inlaid with gold. The kitchen was nothing like what Kaoru expected.

There were about 10 stoves and 5 sinks. The counters were large and topped with marble, there were a few carts against one wall, which Kaoru assumed was to store foods, and hold event food. There was a large metal door to the far wall, and Kaoru couldn't seem to figure out what it might lead to. There was a large island in the middle that had stools on one side and large pots and pans hanging down from a rack above it. Misao grabbed Kaoru's hand, pulling her father into the room with a smile.

"Here, sit down." She gently removed the rice from Kaoru's hand and motioned towards the only other person in the room. It was a girl, maybe a year or so older than Kaoru. She had a warm smile on her face, her brown hair was pulled back into a low ponytail and she had a bandana on her head, probably to keep hair away from the food.

"Ah, Himura-sama that we had a guest." The woman patted down the apron she was wearing. "I'm Sekihara Tae, I am in charge of the kitchens." Kaoru smiled in response and sat down on a stool, as Misao handed Tae the bag of rice.

"She had this with her when she came here I suppose, never hurts to have a little extra rice." Misao said cheerfully. "Tae this is Kaoru, Kenshin picked her up yesterday it seems."

Misao turned her head back to Kaoru, "Tae's not a demon, she's a human like you."

Kaoru smiled at Tae, "It's nice to meet you!"

Tae nodded in response, "So what would you like to eat? I can make just about anything." She grinned in pride.

"Ah, some steamed rice and miso soup is fine with me." Kaoru smiled in appreciation. "Would you like any help? Though I'm really not very good in the kitchen."

Tae chucked, "Ah, that will not be necessary." She began to cook the food quickly and efficiently.

Misao sat next to Kaoru on a stool, "Tae has been here for quite a while. A town up north gave her to Kenshin as a sacrifice, though Kenshin doesn't like people to be sacrificed, but I guess the town didn't know, so he kinda got stuck with you eh Tae?" The older woman laughed as she opened the bag of rice.

"Indeed, he's stuck with me. It's really worked out well for me though."

Kaoru perked up at that, worked out? "What do you mean? You're forced to stay here aren't you?"

Tae laughed harder, "Forced! Lord no. Himura-sama has never locked me up, nor has he ever tried to cause harm to me. The only thing he asked was that I cook honorably and to the best of my ability. I suppose now he has some level of trust for me, since he doesn't have anyone else cook for him. Demons can be untrusting creatures, especially Sentinels who have to worry about lesser demons trying to underhandedly kill them off in order to rule the lands."

"Though no one but a Sentinel can manage the lands. It simply wouldn't work, that's not to say that there aren't imbeciles who think they can though." Misao smiled.

"I guess… he just hasn't really told me what is expected of me." Kaoru frowned and set her elbows on the counter and setting her chin in her palms, slouching, which was quite a site in her elaborate kimono. "It just makes me feel like I'm completely out of place. Even this kimono just doesn't feel right, I feel like I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go. I'd rather just have my normal clothes and a bokken."

Tae smiled gently and set the soup and rice down in front of Kaoru, who eagerly began to eat. "Ah this is the best miso I've ever had Tae! Thank you. No wonder Kenshin only allows you to cook for him, you're really good."

Tae blushed lightly at the praise, then waved her had, "It's really a very simple meal, just wait until an event. I'll blow you out of the water."

Misao smiled, "Ya, no modesty this one." Which caused Tae to laugh.

Kaoru felt very at ease. She felt like she could be happy here, with these women. She still had no idea what to do with herself, but at least she had new friends, it was something that could help ground her. Pleasant company would help make her feel not so lost in this new world.

The door to the kitchen suddenly opened, a boy entered, his hair was black and went almost every direction. His eyes were stubborn, and he held an air of superiority. The boy's eyes locked on Misao's, "Oy Weasel!" He called, his tone annoyed. Misao jumped up and glared daggers back at the boy.

"What did you say you lil brat!" Misao snarled.

"What you deaf now too?" the boy grinned, his shoulders straightening to fight back.

Tae laughed, breaking the tension Kaoru felt, what is going on?

"Don't mind then Kaoru, this is Yahiko, he and Misao like to rile each other up." Tae smiled happily. Kaoru turned her head to look back at the two… they did look somewhat like siblings, and she couldn't help but smile as well.

"What do you want?" Misao frowned at Yahiko.

"Kenshin wants ta see you." Yahiko turned, but not before glancing at Kaoru for a moment and leaving the room, Misao following while throwing more insults at the boy.

"Its quite a lively house isn't it?" Kaoru smiled. She finished the last of her soup and stretched. "Thank you for the meal!"

Tae took the dishes up and began to wash them. Kaoru traced the patterns on the marble countertop. "Tae, do you have even a clue as to why Kenshin would bring me here? And something else has been bothering me, Misao says that I've been staying in Kenshin's room on top of all this, why would he have me sleep there?" Tae finished washing the dishes and set them aside to dry off before turning back to Kaoru and walking up to the counter.

"Well, to be honest, I really can't say. I never stayed in Himura-sama's room. I don't want to say anything out of place, but he might be more interested in you, possibly more possessive if he is keeping you in his room. It will ensure that you smell of him, and probably keep other demons away. Of course I'm not a demon and so this is mere speculation more than anything." Tae looked up and twisted her lips.

"I can understand how his actions would be confusing though. As long as I've lived here, he's never had anyone stay in his room to my knowledge. But Himura-sama is a very complex demon, I don't know anyone who really knows what's going on in that head of his. Don't stress too much about it right now though, I'm sure things will become clear soon." Tae looked back at Kaoru and smiled.

Kaoru nodded, it really didn't do her much good to stress on the topic. "Tae, how long have you been here anyways?" Kaoru asked.

"Hmm, it's been about 20 years I think now… give or take a year." She chuckled. Kaoru's jaw dropped.

"How is that possible? You don't look a day over 20 now!" she said, standing in disbelief.

"Ah, well. Megumi has discovered that using certain demon DNA mixed with… well lord knows what else, will add years to a normal human. I have to take it once every six months, it's not permanent, so if I stop taking it, I'll begin to age again, but as long as Himura-sama wishes, I will stay here." Tae explained, "Though I don't really understand the scientific side of it myself, but it works." She giggled.

Kaoru nodded, "This just seems… unreal." Tae nodded in agreement, thought he smile remained plastered on her face.

A few minutes later, the door reopened and Misao strode into the kitchen. "Kenshin, as I expected, wishes for me to begin teaching you the 'demon way of life' as he put it. At least until I have to return home, which could really be at any time, so we should go ahead and begin." Misao grabbed Kaoru's hand and began to pull her out of the kitchen. "See ya later Tae!" And waved as she walked out the door.

"Come on, it's a beautiful day out!" Misao released Kaoru's hand and began to skip towards the front door. Kaoru smiled and followed.

"I'm glad that he wants me to learn more about this world… though I am somewhat confused that he actually instructed you to do it." Kaoru smiled, she couldn't help it, Misao's happiness was infectious.

Misao shrugged, "Eh, there will be some things that only Kenshin can explain." She said as she opened the front door and hopped out. "But it will be good for you to know at least the different types of demons and some basic information about them, thought I really thought they taught a little more about us in your towns… oh well." They made their way a decent distance from the house near a large lake in the woods.

"Let's see… where to begin." She smiled and took her shoes off to dip her feet in the water. "Well first of all, there are five demon classes; Sentinels, Beasts, Elementals, Sirens, and Half-Breeds." Kaoru sat on the grass near her and Misao laid back, then rolled to her stomach and began to line some rocks up in a row as she spoke.

"Beasts are the most common, and almost none of them mate for life. As far as is well known, only wolf and eagle demons are more likely to mate for life although it's not guaranteed that they will.

Beast demons take on the nature and sometimes the appearance of the animal spirit, if you will, in which their abilities come from, though with certain differences. Like the toad demon that you ran into could spit fire." Misao smiled, "Kenshin told me. There are also some that have a piercing and debilitating screech, and some that can manipulate pheromones, like Tomoe."

"Tomoe?" Kaoru asked.

"Ah, she was a demon that Kenshin nearly mated with." Misao shrugged, "Beast demons have almost unlimited possibilities, but are generally among the weakest of the demons. Half breeds are more likely to appear from this demon class, since they are more likely than any other to take human mates."

Misao sat up, grabbing the stones she'd collected and began to skip them across the water. "Elementals usually have a pretty 'down to earth' disposition, mostly due to the fact that their nature is fairly stable and grounded. They can have control over a narrow or large range of things, depending on their own strengths and abilities. I, for example, have control over weather, wind and water. I can create water even without a source, which makes me quite strong. Most water demons can only manipulate water, but can't create their own, they need a source. Without some control, a demon that can control weather is easy to read. Our emotion can be mirrored in the weather if we aren't careful." Misao blushed.

"Water, Earth and Air elementals also mate for life with few exceptions. Fire demons rarely mate for life; they also tend to be sensual, over emotional and possessive. Sanosuke is a fire elemental, and Megumi is an earth elemental… so they often butt heads." Misao laughed, thinking about the two of them. Kaoru tried to retain as much information as she could, and Misao continued.

"Half-Breeds are actually pretty rare. You see, even with human mates, the offspring is likely to be either completely human, or completely demon. It's very rare that a child will get half of one parent and half of the other. My mate is a Sentinel; our child would be either a sentinel or an elemental. It would be very, VERY unlikely that it would be half of each, in fact, I've never heard of a demon being half sentinel, I don't know if it's even possible. Either way, it's unlikely that you will run across a half-breed. It's even more unlikely that you will come across a Siren. We haven't seen a Siren in so long we're not even 100% sure they even exist anymore."

Kaoru tilted her head, "What are Sirens? I've never even heard of them before."

"It is an extremely rare demon to come across, and they are easily mistaken for being human. Sirens possess extreme beauty and power. Not much ins known about their powers, but it's said that they only mate for life and despite their power are physically weak, which is probably the reason they are little known and usually chose to live life as a human. I've heard that they can read minds, and even manipulate thoughts. The can erase memories, and though I'm not sure how true this is, I'm told they can even stop and reverse time, change events. With such power, it's no wonder they hide among humans. They would be too weak to protect themselves in a demons world, but can live peacefully with humans, safe from anyone who might try to use their powers for themselves. Sadly, I don't know how true any of this really is; I've never met a Siren. There are people who say that their scent is special though. That their smell can be nothing to some demons, but over-whelmingly alluring to others. Though I could go on and on about the rumors of Sirens, but I guess it's not much education if I don't know anything." Misao laughed.

"The final class is Sentinels. All demons heal fast, however sentinels are known for healing particularly fast, and their blood can also be given to heal others while other demons do not have that ability. They very seldomly pick a human mate, because of what they look for in a potential mate. Sentinels must have a mate that is mentally, emotionally and physically strong, someone who can stand up to them when need be. Sentinels can 'enrage', for lack of a better word, if angered, though they rarely do due to their naturally calm nature. If or when they enrage, only the enraged sentinel, or it's mate can calm them down, anyone else they are likely to kill before they can even get close, these strengths are unlikely found in a human. At this time, Kenshin is the only unmated Sentinel. The only one who got close was Tomoe, and she had tried to kill him, but ended up sacrificing herself for him. This was around 50 years ago and she had been a pheromone demon. She slowly subdued Kenshin, but in the end, she had fallen for him as well. Some say Kenshin knew she was using her powers against him, and had started to manipulate her own pheromones to work against her, and weaken her to him, but there isn't much to go on and it's just a theory. Kenshin doesn't talk about it. A sentinel is fiercely protective of his mate and a sure-fire way to enrage a sentinel is to kill his mate, another reason they don't take human mates. However, the only records of sentinels taking human mates were always very strong demons, unfortunately, they were also somewhat arrogant as well, and we usually attribute their downfall to taking a human mate."

Kaoru nodded, she felt like Misao was only showing her the tip of the iceberg with each demon class, but at least this way she would have a little information to start with. Misao was now drying her feet off and getting ready to put her shoes back on.

"Sentinels guard their territory, and enforce demon law. Because they maintain order and balance, it is expected to receive payment. Humans are to provide a home near each town, as well as to provide a few who can help maintain it. For example, Tae works in the kitchen and provides meals, though that wasn't originally what the humans had intended her for; this is now what she does. Tae moves with us now because Kenshin trusts her and there aren't many who he can trust. Sentinels have strange and powerful abilities. Eh, their abilities are so different from one to another, that it's hard to say exactly what their abilities are, besides they are usually fairly secretive of their power." Misao finished, lacing up her shoes.

"Do Sentinels mate for life as well?" Kaoru asked, as she stood up and brushed her kimono off.

Misao nodded, "Always. Without exception."

AN: This chapter was actually going to be longer, I've had a really crazy month and found out that very soon I'll be moving back to the states, so things have been hectic here. Sorry that I didn't get to update sooner, and I'm sorry if there are grammatical errors since I didn't have time to proofread it! Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing!

-Jackson