It wasn't as bad as he expected. She was being very gentle, being careful not to hurt him any more than necessary as she cleaned his wounds. It reminded him of when his mother would treat his injuries when he was a child.
<But she's not Mother. Mother is dead and Father has disgraced her memory by marrying thisthis>
"Sesshoumaru-kun."
Sesshoumaru almost jumped at the sound of Miyae's voice, but managed to control himself. He turned to her. "What?"
"I'm sorry about this."
Sesshoumaru blinked several times as her suddenly apology sunk in.
"Your father is a good youkai, but I'm not sure if he fully realizes how difficult this is for you," Miyae continued. "I hope you don't think I'm trying to take your mother's place. I know I could never do that." She set down the now bloody cloth and began tearing a strip from the bottom of her kimono. "Your mother must have been very beautiful."
"Un," Sesshoumaru replied.
"Your father says you favor her in many ways." She had begun bandaging his arm with the strips of cloth. "He thinks very highly of you, you know? You have made him very proud." A wistful smile appeared on her face. "You should have heard him when he was first telling me about you. He couldn't stop bragging."
<What is she trying to do?> Sesshoumaru asked himself.
"Sesshoumaru-kun?"
"Yes?"
"I meant what I said earlier, I would like to be friends."
Sesshoumaru was silent. <Friends? With a human? I guess she's not too bad, for a human. After all, Father wouldn't have picked just any human for a mate. She must be special in someway. Maybe> Only a few minutes ago, Sesshoumaru would have found that idea laughable and insulting. Now, he found himself wondering if it could possibly work out. He found this very disturbing.
"There you go," Miyae said as she secured the final bandage. "With you're youkai healing ability, you'll be as good as new in no time."
Sesshoumaru pulled the shoulder back up. "A-" he cut himself off.
"Yes?"
Sesshoumaru hesitated slightly. "Arigatou."
Miyae smiled sweetly. "You can come to me for anything, Sesshoumaru-kun. I mean it."
"Ahem!"
Miyae and Sesshoumaru looked up as Kenaruji emerged from the forest.
"I would like to talk to my son in private, Miyae," Kenaruji said.
"Hai, Kenaruji-sama," Miyae answered and attempted to get her feet, but found her current physical condition to be somewhat of a hindrance.
Before Sesshoumaru knew what it, he found himself at her side, helping her rise. <What am I doing?> he asked himself.
Miyae smiled sweetly at him "Arigatou, Sesshoumaru-kun. I'll be waiting for both of you at the clearing." With that, she left.
Kenaruji watched her leave and then turned his attention to his son.
<I might as well get this over with,> Sesshoumaru thought as he bowed deeply. "Father, my apologies for my behavior."
"Well," Kenaruji began. "I'm pleased to see that you appear to be working things out." He walked over to Sesshoumaru and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You both mean a lot to me. I don't want to have to choose between you."
Sesshoumaru nodded. "I understand, Father."
"Good, now" Kenaruji cut himself off when he heard a terrified scream. "Miyae!"
Kenaruji dashed toward his wife with Sesshoumaru close behind him. When they emerged into the clearing, they found Miyae had been backed into a tree by a very large, ugly youkai. The youkai towered over even Kenaruji. It had long, thick talons on its hands and feet and spike protruded from its leathery hide. It did seem to notice the arrival of the other two. It was focused on Miyae, saliva dripping from its sharp fangs.
"Sesshoumaru, I'll distract him, you get Miyae out of here," Kenaruji ordered as he drew his sword.
"Hai."
"Go now!"