Wings of a Butterfly

[Birdie]

All around her the life of the world bloomed fully. It sang songs and warmed her as the sun would. The sun did not reach her here though, the room had no windows and was lit by only candles. The orange glow barely lit up the wooden walls around her. She sat atop a pile of pillows (on top of a raised platform) with translucent curtains hanging about her. The light from the candles showed her form to only be a shadow, but it caused the bright blues from her wings to scatter. It made the curtains look as if they were rippling water.

The doors opened briefly and a young woman entered the space. For only a single moment the sun hit her body. Her heart fluttered, rejoicing. All too soon it was gone and she was plunged back into near darkness. The young woman walked slowly across the floor and stopped three feet from the pedestal on which the butterfly sat. She knelt and began to pray.

Brigantia watched the girl. It had always been strange to her, having people pray in front of her. She did not feel as if she should be revered in this way. Her kind was rare. She was a treasure from the gods. Or, that was what she had been told. Time moved slowly as woman, men, and children all came and left. Their prayers floated around the room. Little pockets of hope and sorrow all mixing together. It made the room stifling and after these session Brigantia felt sick. By the end of the day things like money, food, and flowers were left before her as gifts.

A tall woman entered the shrine, signaling the end of prayers. Brigantia moved back the curtains which kept her from blinding her onlookers. The woman kept her eyes averted from the tiny butterfly. Standing, Brigantia descended the stairs from the pedestal. She paused before the woman who bowed low, offering the Butterfly a veil. She took it and placed it over her long, silvery colored hair. The veil covered the entirety of her face and most of her body, coming down to her knees. She clasped her hands in front of her, the kimono sleeves covered them.

She lead the way toward the door and the tall woman opened it to reveal the last rays of the sun dipping below the horizon. The feilds lay spread out before her. The flowers and the grasses and the trees no longer sang to her. They now slept with the sun. The moonbeams now lit the world. They were gentle and soft, nothing like the intensity of the sun.

Brigantia turned away from the fields and headed toward her place of rest. It was a short trek from the shrine to the temple in which she lived. Behind her a line of servants carried her gifts to be set up in her rooms. As they neared the river, the shrine servers went toward the temple and Brigantia headed out to purify herself in the cold stream waters. It chilled her to the bone as she stood in the stream. She splashed it over her head, soaking her hair as she thought about the nothingness that was her life.

Alone, the trees shaded her from prying eyes. It also kept her from seeing the blaze which started at the base of the temple. It wasn't until she heard the screams that she understood something was amiss. She dressed quickly, securing the veil over her head before rushing toward the sounds. From a thicket of trees she could see men on horses and foot carrying spears and fire. They sliced down the peaceful guard and came out of the temple carrying the priceless artifacts stored there.

She wept silently as she felt lives escape into the sky. The only home she knew was being demolished! Would it be better to burn in the flames with it than to wander the world alone? Brigantia walked calmly as she could toward the burning temple. Her mind had grown blank as she knew not what to do. Orange and red flames licked the star laden sky. Blood from the fallen shrine servants soaked her feet and the hem of her kimono. She heard a shout and turned to see a man run towards her, a sword drawn.

She lifted a hand toward him and the grasses around him grew to dizzying heights, causing him to become lost in the thick green. This caused more of the bandits to become alerted to her presence. They shouted but their words she could not quite make out. All she understood was their intent to capture her. Brigantia stood her ground. They would come and there was nothing she could do beyond asking the sleepy meadow to come to her aid.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Having one territory to take care of was difficult enough. Having two was just annoying. The Eastern Lands were not his territory, nor his to defend. But anything that had risked the peace of Kaede's Village would be destroyed. It had been a few years since his ward Rin had been placed in the old priestess' hands. It had yet to stop any of his protected nature when he took the time to visit.

The demon lord was returning home when the commotion caught his attention. The smell was the first to collide with his senses. Burning flesh and charred remains left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Sesshoumaru wouldn't let whatever conflict that was occuring to reach the village. He wouldn't risk it. In a quick but effortless run, the demon lord took in the all the information that came to his senses the closer he came. The screams of anguish, the yells of orders from the pursuers. By the time he had arrived at the scene he knew exactly what was going on.

If there was one thing he didn't like, it was temples. And priests that went with those temples. He always had a bad history with them. But he couldn't let the bandits roam free in the area. Not this area.

Determined to rid of the future threats he went straight to work. Efficient and quick, the bandits were soon crumpled bits of flesh that was only more food for the fire. It licked at his heels and soon the heat was becoming too uncomfortable for even him.

His eyes glowed as the fire's light reflected in them, and he looked around quickly, making sure that he had taken care of each one. His sense of smell was nothing but a hindrance now that the fire was so big.

Ah, he had missed someone. Sesshoumaru noticed her finally. Definitely no bandit, it was a rare survivor of the flames. Why she was still here as the fire roared around them made no sense. What was it thinking?

[Birdie]

It would seem luck was on her side. She felt his presence long before she saw him. Like a flash of lightning he appeared and ripped the attackers to shreds. She felt each death to the very core of her being. All the pain and brutality brought her to her knees. She stayed very still and watched, horrified, as the bandits exploded in a spray of blood and gore. She clutched her chest tightly as it felt as if a thousand needles were pushing their way through her heart.

The pain stopped only minutes after the killing did. She cried silently as she watched her home burn and as the blood soaked the fields around her. Her fingers moved from her chest to her mouth as she tried to keep from wailing loudly. Everything was a mess. Never had she experienced death on such magnitude. It was only her veil which kept her separated from the outside world, separated from the evil which would forever stain the earth.

She lifted tear filled eyes to her savior. He was tall like the trees and pale like the moon. Brigantia wanted to stand and bow properly, but her legs would offer her no support. Instead she did the unthinkable for a relic to do. She leaned forward so that her face was next to the ground. This was as well as she could manage. Sitting up straight she could still create no words for this man. Her body shook and her hands were stained with tears.

It took a long while before she could shakily speak. "Thank you sir." Her voice was slow and lilting. She spoke with as much grace as she moved. "Please forgive me as I can not stand. I fear my legs have abandoned me." Each word was given careful pronunciation. "What is your name sir?"

[Lord Sesshomaru]

"Lord Sesshoumaru." There was no time for proper introductions. The fire was getting uncomfortably close. And the creature still wasn't moving. He had thought instincts would kick it. Would her own mind be her downfall? Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed, and with a quick stride he hoisted the female onto her feet from the hem of her haori. When she didn't instantly regain her footing on her own he adjusted his grip around her waist and pushed off.

The smoke surrounded them but it had little time to consume them whole as he broke through the heavy cloud and into the clear night air. The cool wind made it easier for him to breath and for a moment he glided a bit away before descending back to earth.

Finally on clean untainted ground, the trees around them blocked most of the horrendous view. The light of the fire peaked between the trees but it was now forgotten and behind him. The only reminder was the woman he still held up by her waist. He released her with no warning and cared little if she dropped.

[Birdie]

The warmth of the fire burned her flesh, made the blood on her legs coagulate and dry. She did not have long to process his name and add it to his face before she was lifted up. The strength of his hand was great. It felt strange to be lifted by her clothing, having not been touched for as long as she could remember. She winced as he body rose upward but she could not stay in that position. The Lord scooped her up by the waist and she found herself in the sky. Eyes grown wide and cried out as she clung to the stranger. Never had she been in the sky before. At first it was terrifying but the feeling of being in the air grew on her. She found it exhilarating and very right. The ground dipped away and much too soon it came back. Her feet touched it again and she fell, no longer supported by her savior. It was twice now that he helped her.

Her slender fingers touched her veil, making sure it was properly in place. "Thank you again my lord," she said softly. "How shall I repay you my debt?" The world was off balance. It was not some sort of honor that made her feel indebted to him. Rather it was a hypersensitivity to the balances of the world (the yin and yang) which compelled her to say this. Karma could not be left leveled in this way or bad things... worse things would definitely happen.

Slowly she attempted to stand, leaning heavily on a nearby tree. She felt winded from her ride through the air. Grasses stuck to her legs as the blood continued to dry. It made her feel dirty and the immense sadness of the deaths seemed to cling to her via this conduit. "I must repay you in some way."

[Lord Sesshomaru]

A debt? It wasn't what he was looking for. He turned on her but didn't make it very far when she brought it back up again. She must? must she? It seemed rather inconvenient. Sesshoumaru glanced her up and down, trying to figure the female out. His senses were still dull from the smoke and he could only trust so many things with his eyes.

A strange female demon. With aspects of a fragile insect and a veil that looked like it was meant for ceremonial weddings. It was all something he didn't need on his plate. But still, he would play her game for a small while. "What use are you?" he asked, raising a brow as he looked down at her.

Maybe if he could just get in her scent he could figure it out better.

[Birdie]

What use was she? She did not know. This threw her for a loop. She had never considered before what she was supposed to do. For a long time she sat on those pillows and listened to people pray. She gently touched the bark of the tree as she thought on her reply. "I... I can speak with the trees and the flowers and the sun and the moon and all the stars in the sky. I know the history of a place or object by touching it... I can sense the presence of others before I can see them. But if these things are useful I do not know. I have always just been." She stopped touching the tree and wrapped her arms about her waist as she turned more fully toward Sesshomaru. "It does not matter the task. I will do anything you ask of me, lord."

Or she would at least try. Again the words 'What use are you,' taunted her. It made her painfully aware of just how little use she was to the world. It made her head spin and her stomach feel sick. She could not save those she could think of as family at the temple. She could not directly help those who prayed before her. People begged from her silent wishes and she could do nothing. She was an ornament.

Tears sprang up at the corners of her eyes. This whole night had been completely overwhelming. "Forgive me I... I just don't know." The words were half mumbled to herself as she attempted to brush away the oncoming rush of tears.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

This demon was weak. Incredibly so. At least emotionally. Sesshoumaru wasn't sure he liked getting involved in it. What was he going to do with her? As soon as he placed his hands on her she became his responsibility. It was something he became painfully aware of the more she spoke.

Saving people were just a hassle, even if it wasn't on purpose. He sniffed lightly, but he couldn't smell the scent of salt water or even the shifting of emotions. He scowled lightly, eyes narrowing at her. He did not like having to trust his eyes. "Has your sense of smell been affected?" honestly, it was an easy fix to get his nose working again. But blowing his nose was not an option!

Sesshoumaru could at least use her for that until his nose cleared up on its own.

[Birdie]

At first Brigantia was confused. Was he taunting her or belittling her in someway? What could be wrong with her sense of smell. Or complicated form of. She never had a problem with it. Then she understood what he was asking. He was having difficulties. It was strange somehow that he should be admitting this to a complete stranger.

It was a difficult question to answer. She mulled it over before she replied. "No... My sense of smell has not been affected." She was not sure how to explain the concept of lacking anything resembling a mammal's olfaction process. "I can smell just fine." Could this be something for her to do? Had the smoke damaged his senses in some way? Brigantia pushed herself from the tree to stand properly. Her legs almost gave out at first, but the deep blue wings fluttered with excitement which in turn helped her keep balance. The fact that smoke would not affect her the same way as it would a dog made her very happy.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

With his question answered he nodded. This demon was much more needed than she thought. He wasn't admitting it at first, but...without his sense of smell he wouldn't be able to make it home. It was an odd thing to think about now that it was gone. But something in her change of demeaner made him think she was happy of this new role.

It made him all the more less happy. Holding back another scowl, Sesshoumaru glared in very random directions. How was he going to do this? He knew his specific area, but which direction...

Step by step was the best he could do. Calming himself, he concentrated on the humiliating task ahead. "There should be a spring nearby." He eyed her, expecting her to take the lead. The fact that he was following...it went completely against his dog nature. A pack leader did not follow. This was pathetic!

[Birdie]

While she could 'smell' the spring which Sesshomaru said should be nearby, she had sensed it a long time ago, sprouting deep from with in the Earth. "Yes, It is off to the left there," she reached out a hand from beneath the veil and gestured in the direction of the spring. "Where is it I am going?" he gave directions poorly. What was she supposed to do with the spring? What was she looking for? He could not seem to tell her anything exactly and so she paused, closing her eyes. From there she let her mind flow through the Earth. She followed the things which most felt like him, places which held onto the memory of him. Finally there appeared to be a placed which swelled full of him.

Opening her eyes she walked in the direction of the place. She could feel it in her mind, see it looming on some distant horizon which had yet to appear. She walked slowly and calmly, her steps more assured now that she knew where it was she was headed, or at least hoped she was headed. Brigantia would pause here and there to determine from Sesshomaru if she were correct in her guesses. All signs seemed to point toward yes.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshoumaru hesitated with answering her question. It seemed like such a childish thing to tell her. Like a little pup that needed help finding his way home. And it seemed he hesitated for much too long for she was already leading the way with his answer forgotten. He slowly followed, and was ready to continue with the small hints forward until she had completely passed the spring and was still going.

Brows furrowed, he quickly became confused but was too prideful to say anything. His eyes wandered every which way trying to spot familiar things instead of smelling familiar things which he was used to. As they continued the cool air was helping with his sinuses. The longer they walked the much easier it became to breath from his nose and get the scents and smells he was used to.

By the time that his sense of smell rushed back to him they were more than halfway there and he no longer needed the smells to know that he was on very familiar ground. It was getting very late, howerever and unless she wanted to walk through the whole night he expected her to want to stop soon.

Sesshoumaru would allow her to lead, just a bit longer. Already needing and asking for her help was too much to go out and confess that he didn't need it anymore.

[Birdie]

As the night wore on it became colder and colder. She was having a hard time moving and staying awake. She needed the warmth of the sun or of fire. She stopped moving completely and brought her hands up to rub her eyes as she struggled to stay awake in the cold. "Forgive me," she said softly, "But I can go no further." She turned to him with a frown. She felt horrible that she was unable to get him home when he had done so much for her. But her body was freezing up and her wings fluttered in an attempt to keep her moving. It did no good.

She took a moment to find a tree and sat beneath it. It kept her safe beneath its branches, though she still felt exposed. Some part of her urged her to climb up into the branches and sleep there, but her body was unable to make the journey. Pulling her knees to her chest, she shivered as she tried very hard to stay awake. The demon would probably leave her behind. It saddened her to think that her use was already up. She huddled beneath her veil and hoped that he would simply leave her if he was going to leave.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshoumaru was expecting it soon. Her movements had quickly become sluggish, but he had been too distracted taking in her scent fully. Finally he was able to do so, and take in all the details that his nose gave him. She wasn't a demon after all, but a hanyou. It made his weakness all the more humiliating. He had needed help from a hanyou...

He took in another deep breathe through his nose, the cold air having barely any affect on him but his new companion seemed to not be able to stand it. He could have overlooked it if not for all her shaking.

For a moment Sesshoumaru just stood above her, eyeing her with critical golden eyes After thinking it over, he turned away and became hidden in the darkness of the forest. It was a few seconds more before he returned with a decent sized bundle of wood under on arm and dropped it in front of her.

[Birdie]

Ah yes, in silence he went off, leaving her to herself. She could hear the sounds of the forest and she wondered what would become of her. Perhaps some human would take pity on her. Perhaps she would be sold and become some lord's trophy. She had no idea what was going to happen. He mind slowly shut down as she fell into a sleeping state.

Brigantia awoke when a pile of sticks was dropped in front of her. She stared at the wood and then looked up to find the Demon Lord had come back. "Thank you very much, my lord," she said. She went to the sticks and carefully piled them up. Her hands were unused to the work, but she understood the basics of building a fire. The only problem was that she did not know how to start one. She searched her own mind for information and when that didn't work she asked the sleepy forest but it did not know either. She frowned at the sticks. "I am sorry... I appreciate what you have done but, I don't know how to start a fire." She gave a small laugh and rubbed her upper arms.