Wings of a Butterfly

[Lord Sesshomaru]

He lightly scoffed, eyes narrowing out onto the garden as he once again avoided eye contact. He tended to do that while brooding. Sesshoumaru didn't like her choice of words, and refused to comment on them. Usually when he had 'quite a day' the servants had an ever worse day. But she seemed fine...even satisfied.

"And you enjoyed it." he accused rather than ask, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. He almost accused her of enjoying his bad day. Either way, the fact that she had enjoyed it at all made things childishly worse. Even Jaken was left grumpy after the visit and most servants were too exhausted from all the day's work to bother with enjoying it.

[Birdie]

She read his mood, understood that it was quite the opposite of positive, but it would not put a damper on her own. She smiled brightly and nodded. "Oh yes. There was so very much to do and so many new things to learn today as well. I learned a new recipe to cook. I learned how to do Fumiko-san's hair... There was just so much work to be done. I never feel like there is enough time in the day for all of my new experiences. It makes me that much closer to repaying my debt to you." If her wings had been there, they would have fluttered continuously with her excitement. "The only thing that makes me sad this day is that you did not enjoy your part in it, my lord. I do not like to see you unhappy. Is there anything I might do to brighten your day?"

She turned her dark eyes and on him, hopefully that there was something else she could do before laying down for the night. A part of her said that perhaps just leaving him alone would be the best thing to do. But another part of her did not want to leave his side just yet. Brigantia had yet to realize just how attached to the demon she was.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Only someone like Brigantia would find enjoyment in manual labor. Ridiculous. And what could she ever think she could do to 'brighten' his day? A very silly way of thinking. He just wanted to be able to relax. The whole entire made it difficult to enjoy the normal routine. A general visiting wasn't a part of the routine.

The whole notion of her brightening his day was just... "Absurd." The word left his lips with his train of thought before he got up and slid the door roughly shut behind him.

After that everything seemed to return to normal. Except in one big way. With time passing and rumors less absurd the other servants were much more open towards Brigantia. Realizing that she wasn't such a special case as Rin, they didn't find the need to hide her anymore, or be afraid to truly be themselves.

Rumors continued to spread, but in such a good way that random demons didn't immediately scorn her. The kind hard working half demon had wiggled her way into many of their hearts. Only the most stubborn kept up with their ways.

Fumiko, who had been only lukewarm in the new addition quickly became distant and bitter. She couldn't walk without hearing word of the kind and beautiful hanyou who had helped with their chores. Some dared to say that Lord Sesshoumaru's attitude had been changed for the better thanks to the hanyou!

"It's absurd!" the use of the word seemed to have grown as she complained to Makoto. The chubby girl was sewing a newly formed hole in one of her clothes as Fumiko vented. They both looked up as Birdie approached and with a sneer and a kimono sleeve to hide her face Fumiko quickly went away.

Makoto was completely unphased, and placed down the newly sewn haori to the side before picking up another one. She had been thrown a lot of other ruined clothes when the others had seen her task. "Hello Birdie!" she spoke through her work, concentrating to not prick any fingers. "Seems things have been getting a lot better from what I hear!"

[Birdie]

She winced as the door closed, feeling uncomfortable and slightly saddened. It was too bad she could do nothing more for him. She would not let this ruin her wonderful day though. Instead she stayed out to watch the moonbeams and the wind in the trees for a while longer before sleep itched at her eyes.

Her life had grown better. All sorts of servants had warmed up to her, and they always had something for her to do. If there was helped needed, Brigantia as their girl. She never said no to anyone. It occasionally caused her a few problems but she always managed to pull through for everyone involved. She also learned to be more open with people. While her speech was always extremely proper, she became more open about her mind. Not that there was much to speak on it as she was in a constant good mood. Her nights after the general's visits grew better again. With out the bother of that man, Sesshomaru was much more calm and obliging. Mostly she talked about what went on with her day as she was always uncertain of what else she should speak with him on. She hoped that it was enjoyable for him to hear about how much she was doing to repay her debt.

Always, Brigantia had her eye out for a pleasing young man who would be perfect for Makoto. She did not forget her promise and was working hard to give her dear friend something to treasure. Occasionally she caught a glimpse of someone who might do well, but she was always called away before she could find some way to initiate conversation. She could only pray for luck on this point.

One lovely day she approached Makoto who was speaking with Fumiko. The woman did not stay long enough for Brigantia to give her a proper greeting. She made excuses for the geisha everytime she did something rude. Now it was that she simply did not want Brigantia to go through the trouble as she had important business elsewhere.

"Hello, Makoto-san." She bowed slightly in greeting to her friend. "Oh yes. People here have become so kind and there is always so much to do. Everyone seems to be willing to teach me a new skill or two. It is wonderful!" She knelt down on the floor in front of the tanuki and took one of the dresses into her hands. She studied it, feeling out the stitches and finding the discordant notes that were damages. Lithely she picked out her own needle and threaded it. While she was not an expert, Brigantia had grown quite good at practical sewing. She could embroider beautifully, but this more mundane style had her going slowly. "How has your day been so far? I hope it was pleasant."

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Makoto shrugged, biting off the thread and tying it off. "The usual." Thinking more on it she glanced at the butterfly hanyou as she folded another finished piece of clothing. "Way back when you wouldn't have been accepted no matter what you did." She picked up another one, inspecting the hole.

"Did you know that Lord Sesshoumaru's half brother is a hanyou?" she waited for a reaction, smiling knowingly. "He's proven himself to most people, so only the highest level demons don't take him seriously. And even then the stories say that he can stand his own against those higher level demons!" The story excited herself as it was one of the rare gossips she listened to. Such an adventure in it all! It was pretty amazing.

Makoto grinned, finishing off the last one before hoisting herself up onto her feet. "I have to go return these now, see ya." she waved goodbye before continuing her job.

[Birdie]

Brigantia nodded, eyes completely trained on what her fingers were doing. The only time she paused was when the tanuki told the story of Sesshomaru's halfbreed brother. Her mind was soon filled with adventures someone like her might take out in the world. It excited her greatly, and her wings even fluttered in accompaniment. "No I did not know. That is absolutely amazing!" She finished up her work, folding and setting the sewn dress with the others Makoto had finished. All too soon the tanuki had to leave. She would have liked to learn more about the lord's brother.

There was nothing else for her to do. The garden was properly tended, everything had been cleaned and dusted. Brigantia decided to take a moment for herself and seek out solace. She walked through the house and further on until she was completely alone and the grand estate only existed at a small distance. Here she could her the resonance of the world around her. Every song filled her with joy. She discovered she needed this much more than she realized.

Brigantia took her time walking through the world, completely forgetting the time as well as where she was exactly. She was not pulled out of her little world until she heard a voice.

"Excuse me, miss?" She jumped and her wings fluttered vigorously as if to carry her off, though she had never flown before. At least not that she could remember. She brought her hands to her chest and turned to meet the face of the stranger.

He was a very tall man, well built with lithe muscle. His face was angular but kindly, hidden partially behind a wild beard. His eyes were a striking shade of blue, his skin was deeply tanned, and his hair was a silky black. At his hip he wore two swords. One of his hands rested lightly on a hilt. She stared openly at it and he immediately removed the hand to negate any threat.

"I am sorry to bother you ma'am, but I am searching for a castle which should be nearby. I wish to gain employment there." She turned to see if the castle was still in view and she found that it was not. Had she really walked so far? She turned back to him, feeling him out. Like his face he was a good man, very trustworthy. She smiled, lowering her hands to be clasped in front of her.

"It is not bother. The castle is back in that direction. I would be happy to lead you. My name is Brigantia, sometimes called Birdie." She gave him a slight bow. The man blushed a little.

"Ah, pardon my manners miss. I am Takehiko. Always called Takehiko I guess." He offered her a bow in return, and she laughed at his little joke before the pair started off towards the castle. They entered the grounds with no problem. The guards had gotten used to her and she told them that this man was her friend in search of a job. Takehiko was a little taken aback by this, but not totally unwilling to let the word be his title. First she took him to get a proper bath, though he would have to wear the same clothes. When he had finished the man had also time to shave. His face was much handsomer without the whiskers. She then took him to the kitchens to scrounge up something to eat. The cook there was very kindly and the wanderer was offered a fantastic meal.

Now that Brigantia had seen to it that her temporary guest had gotten the necessary things in life, she showed him the vegetable/fruit garden she took care of. Takehiko complimented her on the good work and she blushed from the compliment. "I am sorry, but I am sure our lord is busy at the moment. When he is ready for you he will find us for certain though," she said.

"Thank you," he replied, "You have been very kind to me thus far." She was all smiles as the pair sat near the well, learning about each other. Though all the questions and information Brigantia gathered were in pursuit of making her friend very happy. She was almost certain this would be a fantastic match!

[Lord Sesshomaru]

The rumor mill was working full time today. It always did when it was the guards the get it going. The chef added fuel to the fire and soon everyone knew that Brigantia had brought someone home with her. A friend? A stranger? A past lover? Things went from believable to the ridiculous but Makoto didn't need the details.

All she need to know was that Brigantia brought someone into the personal quarters of the Lord! She had searched high and low for the deluded pair until she came to the garden. She breathed heavily, her demon powers and her unhealthy body clashing as she forced herself on.

"Brigantia!" She called when she spotted them, taking a hold of the girls arm and starting to drag her away. She wanted to drag the stranger away but he was super tall and scary and strong...and scary!

"What were you thinking bringing someone here!? I know it's the garden but this is still on Lord Sesshoumaru's personal land!" It was why no servant lingered when gathering the fruits and vegetables. They were all afraid if they did the territorial Sesshoumaru would kick them off. "You shouldn't have brought him at all but take him somewhere else! Hurry!"

[Birdie]

She could not helped but be tugged away, the tanuki being physically much stronger than herself. She could hardly get a word out through Makoto's rant and the shock of being suddenly happened upon. She frowned at her little friend, formulating what to say. "I did not necessarily bring him here. His threads tell me he would have found his way here whether I was involved or not. I simply showed him a kindness which it seems we are all to ready to forget." It was not that long ago when she had also been in need of a kindness from a stranger. In a strange way her kindness to this man had lessened her debt to Sessomaru. She finally managed to get her arm away from her dear friend.

"Makoto-san, won't you at least say hello to Takehiko-san?" She smiled, hoping to see something of like in both of their faces. But it did not seem to be such. Takehiko was more worried about the two girls getting hurt should the lord show up in a real huff. And it seemed Makoto was much too afraid of Takehiko to even consider him a prospective mate.

"Good afternoon Makoto-san," he said and bowed deeply to the little tanuki. When he straightened, he shifted, keeping an eye out should he have to protect them. Or at least Brigantia, who would probably be in the most trouble.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Makoto was tense and uneasy, not liking that Brigantia fought her. Couldn't they continued this conversation outside of Sesshoumaru's area!? She was more distraught to get them moving to have introductions, and it was starting to irritate her that from all this time her advice was ignored.

And he was going with it! Introducing himself, bowing to her. The awkwardness of someone bowing to her made her take a step back from the person. She was prepared to repeat on the dangers of not listening to the wise tanuki when the aura hit her like a ton of bricks.

It shut her up real quick and she almost felt like she was choking the overwhelming power. She turned slowly, paling at the sight of the Lord himself walking towards them. She would have tried to get an excuse out, if anything, but words escaped Makoto at just the sight of him.

He didn't look angry. But his aura...it was too intense! Sesshomaru stopped a few feet away, eyes narrowing on the newcomer on his territory. Being familiar with Brigantia, and another servant that should be working instead of meandering about in his section.

Suddenly his eyes turned on Brigantia, bright and intense and Makoto jumped at the sudden attention on her friend. She could see his eyes targeting her like his next victim!

"Explain."

[Birdie]

Brigantia tried her very best to placate her friend, but the tanuki was very worried about the whole situation. It made her rather sad that her friend did not trust her enough. "If he didn't want me to have any sort of visitors..." She paused. Ah yes. There he was. It took him an awful long time to appear. She straightened and turned her attention to the direction that Sesshomaru would come from. And so he walked in all his mighty stateliness toward them. Takehiko also straightened, taking a nonthreatening, polite stance. Strangely, in unison the pair bowed to Sesshomaru.

Only one word was uttered. Well, what exactly did he want explained? He was not being very helpful. Brigantia wanted to pout and perhaps prod him a bit to get him to say more but decided now would be a poor time to play games. She lifted one hand and gestured towards the tiger demon who stood just behind her. "This is my friend Takehiko-san, my lord. He is looking to gain employment from you. As it were, we were simply waiting for you to finish your work for the day before bothering you with this triviality." Brigantia had become stiff, perhaps more reserved than when she had first come here. This was official and important business after all. She acted in the way she was trained when dealing in such affairs.

She kept her eyes averted, her hair falling slightly in her face. She found the whole situation tedious. It would be much easier if everyone could just sense people's general goodness and badness and everything that made them up the way she could. Sometimes it seemed so obvious that she wanted to shout, but a good lady would never raise her voice. "He is a good man. A hard worker and loyal as they come." Takehiko gave her a strange look, not sure how she could possibly know these things about him when they had just met. They hadn't gotten that far in their conversations! He did his best to remain stoic and wait for the moment in which he might speak with the lord.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

He didn't like the way things were progressing. None of this had been handled and done properly. Things were done a certain way and taking a stranger to the back door to wait for him was now how things were handled. Nor taking the said stranger through his kitchen and hot springs for a bath. He glared at Brigantia, wanting to scold her but deciding not to start something in front of other people.

Yet even with how unproper everything was Sesshoumaru still trusted her judgement. "Makoto."

"Y-Yes!" The raccoon dog responded hesitantly but urgently, bowing her head even lower as she stepped forward.

"See to this...Takehiko." She nodded furiously, bowing to the other male before stiffly walking away pausing whenever the other demon didn't follow. She walked uncomfortably, keeping her head low and even her back slightly bent in a bow through her entire walk.

As Sesshoumaru turned deadly eyes onto Brigantia. He glared at her in silence until Makoto and the demon were far enough away. "This is not how things are done." he stated crisply, lip curling up in a scowl. "This is my personal and private area. Someone like him waits at the entrance hall." his hand jerked up to point in it's direction. "Not my back door!"

[Birdie]

She was very happy for him. He would get what he desired. A safe haven. It made her stomach all jittery with joy. She watched her friend and the man she had picked out for her retreat. It was good, as she could feel the air grow thick and tense. She listened silently, her lips forming a thin line. He was right to chastise her, she supposed. If he wanted things done a certain way then that would be the way to do it.

"I am sorry I have disappointed you my lord." She tried very hard to pick out her next words carefully. Inside of her a tumultuous mix of emotions boiled with in her and it was hard to pick them out. "He would have waited for you a long time. Tired, dirty, hungry. I would have had to leave him there knowing there were kindnesses to be done. I know what it is like to need something. And for the first time in as long as I have remembered he is the first living being to look at me as not simply a useless hanyou, but as a living being worthy of perhaps a small speck of common courtesy. For the first time I felt wanted... needed, with no ulterior motive. I am sorry I got carried away with it, and I may just be a servant trying to pay back a massive debt to you, my lord. But at some point should not I be allowed a moment to share in the small joy which all of you receive with out a second thought?" She was shaking now as tears fell from her eyes. "I am sorry again to have let you down. Please excuse me."

Without waiting for an answer Brigantia walked away. She just kept walking. He was asking her to do something that was completely against her nature, completely against what the music, the threads of the universe told her were truths and fact. She felt sick thinking of leaving Takehiko at the backdoor, to be only remembered when it was convenient.

Brigantia did not return to the estate that night. Her room remained empty. She needed time, and she was lost in the world of thought.

---

Takehiko followed behind the little tanuki, amused. She was rather adorable with all her fretting. She was very quiet toward him though. He would have liked to get to know the friend of his savior a little better. Speaking of, he glanced over his shoulder wondering if Brigantia would be alright.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshoumaru's anger quickly deflated. His arm limply returned back to his side as he stared at her. He wanted to retaliate, to bring back up his point to her comments but the more she talked the more he wished he could backtrack. But things were too late and he was too prideful to not let her go.

But still, he waited that night to see her. Or assumed he would. It was the first night of many days that he hadn't spoken to her at least once. The routine was broken and that didn't settle well.

---

The further they walked the more Makoto was able to relax. She slowly straightened her back before letting out a deep breath. She glanced suspiciously at the man still following her before quickly looking back ahead. They walked the outer pathway to building on the opposite side of the servant's quarters. It was a rather decent walk for a Lord's manor.

"You will be staying at the Dojo." she began, trying to force herself to sound calm. "That's its main purpose, but it's also the armory and holds many rooms for the guards and soldiers." A large part of the building was indeed a dojo, much bigger than any normal dojo around. It was meant for demons to go all out in all shapes and forms. She stepped up to one of the many sliding doors that entered into the building. The clashing of metal and insults rang clear and she ignored them.

"Just use whichever room isn't taken. Make yourself at home." She was fidgety, and constantly moving from one feet to the other unable to stay still as she was ready to dash off when she was dismissed.

[Birdie]

Takehiko saw the dojo before Makoto mentioned it would be his place of residence from then onwards. He rather liked the large look of it and he could feel the power of the other youkai there emanating from the building. Excitement rolled through his stomach as he entered behind Makoto. He could feel the heat from sweating bodies and the scent of metal hitting hard against more metal. He turned to the little tanuki and smiled as kindly as he was able, though it was impossible to hide the large canine teeth that resided in his mouth. He bowed deeply to her and said, "Thank you very much, Makoto-san. You have been very helpful and gracious. I hope to see you around again sometime soon. I bid you good day." With that he went in search of those youkai who would be sparring so that he might join in the practice.

---

Brigantia went to the empty shell of the temple she had once lived. It had been a tiring journey but she made it there safe enough. The dead bodies had decomposed rapidly, being helped along by scavengers. The temple was mostly ashes and severly burned wood. She walked its perimeter and entered occasionally when it seemed safe. She had so many memories here and she cried until the dawn broke. Though she had felt loved here, much of what she had been told seemed to be a lie. Had they really adored her or had she been a ploy? Eventually tiredness ate at her and she did what came naturally, climbed into a tree and slept there until the sun had long risen.

When she awoke, Brigantia felt much calmer about everything. Perhaps rather numb. She descended from the tree and took the long walk back to Sesshomaru's castle. She arrived there safely in the afternoon. When back on the estate she threw herself into her garden, wondering if she would get in trouble for not tending to it sooner. Done with that, she went in search of Makoto to see if there were any chores to be done.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

When Brigantia found Makoto she was deep in thought hanging sheets and clothes to dry against a rope that was tied from one tree to the roof of the servant's quarters. She was exasperated and confused. That stranger's smile had only left her suspicious and even more nerve wracking. The tanuki didn't notice Brigantia until she was much closer and was easily startled at the approach, turning a speculative eye on the hanyou before turning back to work.

She didn't say anything, not sure what to say after what had happened that almost gave the poor demon a heart attack.