Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 21
Sesshomaru then went to see his daughter’s body, to say his goodbyes to her. Akisame had dressed Midori in her favorite kimono. His pup looked peaceful, the awful wounds on her neck were cleaned and looked almost healed. As he stood looking at her he began to remember something he had forgotten. It had happened in Akisame’s world on the way back to Midoriko’s cave. The merchants were being especially stingy that day and were demanding outrageous prices for tea. Leena had suddenly said they didn’t need the man’s tea, saying a girl had decided to share her own stock. Sesshomaru recalled the girl, she looked exactly like Midori, and the scars on the child’s neck…it couldn’t have been his daughter. No, he thought shaking his head, it was entirely possible that it was, he just didn’t know how. Bending he kissed Midori’s forehead. Someday he may learn the truth but he had to believe Rin’s words and try not to mourn.
Akisame watched from the door. As Sesshomaru rose from kissing Midori's forehead she spoke. "I was just thinking about that little girl. The one who gave us the tea. Except for her violet eyes she could be Midori."
Sesshomaru nodded, putting on arm around his mate's waist, laying his head on hers. "I was thinking the same thing love." He looked to the door as Mika padded into the room. "Mika," he held out his other arm to her and she came putting her own arm around his waist.
"It is hard not to be sad," she said, in a small voice.
Akisame patted her remaining daughter's head. "I know Mika. But we must try to honor her request." She blinked back her own tears.
Keishou looked at his sister, sorrow and pride warring inside. He looked up at his new sensei, "Can I...I mean, am I allowed to give her a hug?"
The Weapons Master looked at his apprentice, "Of course you can. The ceremony can wait."
Midori ran up to Keishou at the man's words and wrapped her arm around his waist. She hadn't know that she would ever see any of her family again. Yet, here was Keishou. Raising her tear stained eyes to his emerald ones she beamed a smile at him.
He smiled back at her. Wiping the tears with one clawed hand, he kissed both cheeks. "We all will miss you but I'm very proud of you for doing this and when I am able to, I'll tell Chichioya and Hahaoya." After one final
embrace he stepped away from her, nodding to the Weapons Master, "I'm ready."
Keikan sat silently fuming in the war room, when an idea occurred to him. Rushing out he searched until he found his father. "Chichioya, should we not send announcements to all the houses informing them that West will observe the traditional month of mourning for Midori? If North attacks us within that month, the other three cardinal lords will have no choice but to side with us?"
Sesshomaru nearly applauded his son's brilliance, "Excellent idea, my son," he kissed his mate's cheek as well as Mika's. "Come we have much to write."
"The ceremony is simple boy. Place the scythe in her hand. The magic will do the rest." He watched as the boy gave his sister her weapon of power. The magic of the scythe whirled around her a mist of silver shrouded her form then parted them. Before them stood the Maiden, her silver hair floating down her back, her silver eyes taking in the world and the knowledge that now those requiring the comfort death brought were recieving it. "You are now Karite of this world. Okay boy. That's it. Say your good-byes and I'll take you home."
Akisame watched the two of them go. Then looked at Mika, "Go get Miroku, Rin, Shippo, Sango, Keishou and Haya." she instructed "There are many letters to send out and it is not fair that your Chichioya and Keikan write them all."
Keishou could not resist one last hug. "Goodbye Midori," he said, then followed the Weapons Master back to his own world. "So what happens now?"
Mika nodded. Keishou was still busy so she would get the others first. She sped through the castle finding all her hahaoya had told her to find.
"Now boy, you go back to your home until I call you again. And next time don't make me wait." He stepped away and vanished.
Akisame entered the war room. Behind her trailed Rin, Shippo, Sango, Miroku and Haya.
Keishou sighed. Then turned and sprinted back to the castle. Torches were lit in the war room. Curious as to what plans tonight's events had thrown into motion, he entered the castle and made his way there. Mika met him on his way there, slipping her hand into his. "Hahaoya says we have to help Chichioya and Keikan write the announcements about...you know."
Keishou nodded and the two soon entered the room. He took a seat beside Haya and pulled parchment and ink toward him. After a quick look at what his mate to be was writing he began to write to.
"Finally finished." Keikan sighed rubbing his forearm. Tradition dictated that the letters be hand written, he was only glad Hahahoya had brought everyone except Uncle. He had been upset about that until he remembered his Uncle's horrible handwritting. "I'm going to raid the kitchen any one wish to help?"
Keishou had finished his portion as well and stood stretching. "I'll join you brother."
Sesshomaru put down his brush and rubbed his eyes. "I think I will, as well. It's been a long time since I raided the food stores," he said with a reminicissing smile. He looked at Mika, who had sat beside him. The girl had fallen asleep while writing. He supressed a chuckle as he thought of the ink that would be smeared on her cheeks.
Akisame smiled, "Go on boys, I'll put her to bed." She grunted with effort as she lifted the child "She's getting big for this. Would you mind if I placed her in our room tonight?"
"That will be fine," Sesshomaru drapped an arm around each of his son's shoulders. "Shall we?"
Haya started after them wanting to be with Keishou, when her father's hand on her shoulder stopped her. "Let them have this time, sweetie." She nodded watching them walk away.
Jaken had dispensed messengers in all directions with their missives of the month of mourning. He bowed his head thinking of the little mistress. His master would miss the child so. She had always been so quiet and thoughtful. He walked to the entrance where her body lay in state, he would guard her as he had failed in life. "I'm sorry mistress. You were never worthless and I was wrong to call you such." Tears fell from his large eyes.
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