Chronicles of the West

Chapter Thirty Five


"You are sleeping with your ward?" Satoru demanded the following afternoon. Toga glared at him, "She's innocent". Satoru leaned forward at his desk and eyed his cousin coolly. "I can smell that much. I'd like to think I might keep it that way for her sake" he muttered.

Toga growled at him, "She is mine. My ward, my responsibility." His tone and stance brooked no argument, but family never seems to follow the rules. "And you understand that the very implication of what you are doing will ruin her?" Satoru asked, "What of her suitors, those who wish to marry her?"

Toga growled a little louder, "There are none" he said stiffly. Satoru sighed, "Yet. There are none yet but there will be. You know how things work in this part of the world Toga". A silent stare-off occurred then. "I want the woman back in her own chambers" he said at last, breaking the silence. Toga shook his head, "No".

"No?" Satoru asked.
"Right. No"
"Why ever not?"
"Because I do not wish it"
"Your wishes have little meaning here, I wish for her remain free from gossip and ridicule"
"No one would dare!"
"The hell they wouldn't"
"I'll kill them"
"You won't. Your ward is safe in these halls Toga. Leave her be"
"No"
"Why the hell not?"
"Because she is mine"
"She is not yours. She is your ward, it is your duty as her lord and master to do the appropriate thing for her. That requires that you keep those lecherous claws from her."
"She is mine. She will be"
"Oh?"
"Grrrrr"
"For the love of…..Toga just do it then"
"No"
"No?"
"Right. No. She has to choose"
"I'd say she already has"

With no clear end in sight, Satoru conceded. "Very well, but I warn you. I will not allow to you to wreak havoc when things are said. You will come to me and allow me to deal with idle prattle. Agreed?". Toga was silent, staring at him. "Toga?". The other inu growled, "Fine."

Satoru turned his eyes to Toga then, "Why her?" he asked. True the human was lovely and soft spoken. Toga seemed to contemplate the question for a long while before finally answering, "Because she is Aislin" he said simply.

Satoru wished that he could argue against that one simple statement but he was powerless against it. He knew all too well the power they held, having felt it once himself. Once. He grunted and sifted through the parchments on his desk for a moment before looking at Toga.

"Daishi is leaving the academy. She will no longer teach" he said. Toga blinked at the news, Daishi had always been with Satoru, she'd helped him build this empire of knowledge from the very dust on the ground with her own claws. Satoru had saved her from a life of utter despair. That she would leave him was unthinkable. "Why?" he asked. Satoru smiled, almost sadly. "She's getting married". Toga was taken aback by that news. Daishi was many things, but being a mere wife he'd never imagined. "He knows her past and yet he would have her. Who is this paragon of chivalry?" he teased.

"Some minor demon lord that she has never met, a coyote of all things" Satoru went on, his tone miffed. Toga leaned back in his low chair, "And you care because?" he asked. Satoru glared at him, "I care because I am without a teacher for alchemic arts" he snapped.

That was part of it, but Satoru wanted her to marry for love and happiness not familial duty. Toga peered at his claws, "I have something to confess to you" he said at last. Satoru disliked that soft tone, "What is it?" he asked. Toga met his gaze, "The human. Victor" he said then.

Satoru's gaze flickered before the mask was firmly in place. "What of him?" he asked, his tone impatient and bored at the same time. Toga rose and moved to the window, "We had hoped he might find sanctuary here, within your walls" he admitted.

Satoru didn't move, not even to blink. "You want to leave him in my school?" he asked. Toga nodded, "I think it is best for everyone concerned. He gets a home, Silvana's promise is fulfilled and you get what you want".

Satoru arched a silver brow. What he wanted? Had Toga somehow sensed his attraction to the beautiful male? No. It was something else. "And what is that?" he asked softly, "And why don't you tell me why he reeks of alchemy?".

Toga turned to face him then, "because he is an alchemist and although I know very little of your so-called science I would venture a guess that he is very good at it". Satoru braced his hand against his desk, "A user? He can actually demonstrate the principles as opposed to merely speculating?" he asked.

Toga nodded, "It is, of course your choice, however this would solve your new need nicely. Speak with him, test him if you like". Satoru considered this for long minutes. He half hoped that Daishi would come to her senses and remain within his walls. It was unfair to wish for, he knew, but that didn't stop him from it all the same.

"What is it between you two?" Toga asked suddenly, "You and your kitsune female?". Satoru looked over at him, "Understanding. Secrets and the understanding of them. She is my best friend Toga. I do not wish to see her go". Toga grunted, "You wish her to remain here for your happiness" he said.

Satoru pointed his elegant finger at his cousin, "You know nothing of it Toga, I wish her to remain here, yes, but that is for her happiness. You know as well as I, that Daishi will never be content to be some man's kept possession".

That much was true. That fate had never been considered for her before. Not by anyone, save her savior and mentor. He'd always believed her more than worthy of love. He'd told her so often, especially in the early days when she'd been so fragile.

"Did you tell her she doesn't have to do this?" Toga asked, "Youkai law states that you are her lord and master and therefore her duty is to you, rather than the family that all but abandoned her". Satoru held his hand up again, "I am not her master, I never was. She is a member of this house and lady of it as much as I am a lord. I will not hold her to that law. She is free to do what she wants, though I have cautioned her against this" he stated.

Toga nodded. "Will you speak to Victor?" he asked. Satoru sighed, "I suppose I have little choice and this might very well be a fine solution. I will see him later today". Toga smirked, "He'll probably be in your gardens with Shippo. Making something useful" he teased. Satoru chuckled, "Gods help us, another inventor".

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Ippiku fluttered around the demoness in agitation, "Daishi, why?" he demanded. She smiled up at him, "Because my family wishes it" she replied smoothly. The imp grunted, "What do you wish?" he asked. She met his eyes fully, "I wish to get along and restore all that was lost to me".

Ippiku growled lightly, "It isn't right Daishi. If anything you belong to Satoru and not to those people. Blood may connect you to them, but love is what binds you to this place" he insisted. She smiled, sadly, "That is true Ippiku, and for all that Lord Satoru has done for me, given me, I will love him until I die. But that love I have, that love of a friend and sister is not what is needed from me now"

The ice imp alighted on her shoulder, "Are you…happy?" he asked softly. Daishi sighed and looked into the bulbous aqua orbs so near her own. "I am not" she admitted, "But I will find happiness in knowing that I will be one less problem for Satoru. My family or intended would no doubt come and that is not what the master needs now".

Ippiku nodded his little head, swearing that he would find someway to make this strange twisted mess straight again. Daishi smiled at him, placing a delicate claw beneath his little chin, "Worry not for me" she said in a soft voice, "Why don't we go and find the other ladies in the house?".

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"Ryu hold still" came the impatient female voice behind the door, "It will only take a few minutes". A gruffer voice spoke up, "You don't know how uncomfortable this is. I'm going stiff!". A light laugh, "Just a few more strokes and you'll be finished, I promise that you'll like it" she cooed. A long male groan, "Gods! Aislin, move faster!"

Toga blinked at Daishi as they stood before the door, "What the hell….". They opened the door to find Aislin sitting before her canvas and Ryu posing stiffly across the room. The two interlopers laughed lightly, "You know" Daishi said at last, "From the other side of the door, this hardly sounded innocent". Aislin blushed and Ryu, still keeping his pose, Keh'd.

Toga looked over Aislin's shoulder at the portrait. "This is very good Ryu" he remarked, "The likeness is exact, down to the scowl". The hanyou growled from across the space, "Laugh it up asshole" he muttered. Daishi smiled up at him, "Same temper, same tongue" she noted, "How refreshing that some things are enduring". He winked at her.

-------------------------------------~

Victor was indeed in the gardens and Shippo was with him. The human had a pair of gold rimmed spectacles perched on his aquiline nose and was making marks against a large parchment spread before them on a stone bench.

"So you think that will work?" Shippo asked, his voice said otherwise. Victor nodded, "Oh yes, in theory it's nearly flawless. Hot air rises, like with the large balloons that fly over my homeland. With the proper mechanics I believe we can go higher, faster and farther" he insisted. Satoru listened to the light banter for several minutes before dropping his cloaking measures.

Shippo responded to his scent and youkai immediately. "Satoru, nice of you to join us" he called out. The silver inu nodded and stepped into the sunlight, the light kissing his flowing silvery locks. "I hope that your stay has been comfortable thus far" he inquired.

They both nodded and Victor spoke up, "I hope you don't mind but I have been exploring your academy. This place is breathtaking. Your libraries are huge!" he could hardly keep his excitement in check. Satoru inclined his head in thanks for the compliment. "It has been brought to my attention that you are knowledgeable in the subject of Alchemy" he said at last.

Victor hesitantly nodded. Satoru sensed his unease at the question. "Shippo would you be so kind as to find Kurama for me? I need to speak with him in my study" he said to the kitsune. Shippo nodded and rose, "Sure".

When they were alone and the sounds of the kitsune's steps were but a memory, Satoru turned back to his human guest. "I am aware that you played some part in the mischief of another, however that is not why I sought you out" he said.

Victor waited patiently for him to continue. Satoru noted the many eyes around them and looked at the other man, "walk with me Victor". Victor strode beside him along the tree lined walk that led from the gardens to the orchards.

Satoru noted the scent of the human. Clean and fresh, like fresh lemons and basil leaves kissed by the sun. It was a nice scent he decided. "My current teacher on the subject is departing from the academy soon. She will not be returning to my knowledge" he said.

Victor listened closely as the tall, dashing demon spoke. Satoru told him of the current curriculum and it's fate should he not find a suitable replacement. "Why don't you teach it?" Victor asked suddenly. Golden eyes turned to him in question. Victor hurried to continue, "You speak of it from a very familiar standpoint. It is clear to me that you have at least made some progress with it yourself"

Satoru let his mask fall into place fully, "I have. In the past, and I don't care to do so again. My own powers are……unstable…in such practices" he said, his tone was bored. Victor wasn't sure what that meant but assumed it meant he was not so very successful at all.

"I'd like to see your level of skill and know any other subjects you are familiar in" Satoru told him. Victor looked off into the glossy green leaves of the trees. "Chemistry, I am quite adept at that. Transmutation or transmography. I was schooled in Padua. I have the documentation." he replied quietly.

Satoru stared at him in question, "Making one thing into another". Victor nodded, "Have you not tried it?". Satoru had, but he wasn't going to talk about it. "No. I haven't. We currently teach the principles of the idea but have been unable to demonstrate such a thing" he said quietly.

Victor looked around them. Materials, he needed materials. He picked up a twig and some sand, then he spied a coal cart in the far corner and plucked up several forgotten bits of it. Satoru watched him fly around the orchard areas like a man possessed.

He was spouting theories as he went, his voice enthusiastic and quite engaging. "Transmutation, turning one thing to another. We make the circle, like so. This circle generates heat and pressure but there are countless circles for countless things. But you know that" he babbled. He spilled the sand and the coal into the center of the circle.

Satoru watched in interest as he braced his hands on the circle and a light flashed brightly. There was no longer a pile of sand and coal, but a large rough translucent stone. "This is a fairly easy one" Victor told him, "Starting with the base elements we fuse them to make the combination of the two. Adding heat and pressure to speed up nature's process".

Satoru watched as he drew yet another circle. "Starting with rough materials, you give to receive you see? We gave sand, and coal and the heat and pressure needed to form this gem. Now we have the raw gem, it has been exchanged for the raw material we started with. Now we refine it"

Another flash of light and the rough lump was gone. Replaced by a glittering diamond that winked rainbows in the sun. Satoru was amazed. This man had to teach. Victor plucked the stone from the ground and held it out to Satoru. The demon allowed him to press the still warm jewel gently into his palm.

He turned it carefully, there were no flaws. "You can do such things at will?" he asked. Victor nodded, "You must of course have a base element to start with. If I have moss I can change it to grass, since they are similar, grass I can turn to wheat and wheat to bread" he explained.

Satoru made to hand the diamond back, but Victor shook his head, "I prefer you keep it. Give it to your lady if you wish" he said with a smile. Satoru glanced at the stone and then at the human, "There is no lady here, there will never be a lady here" he said. Why the hell had he blurted that out he wondered.

Victor smiled, "Then it is my gift to you" he said shyly. Satoru blinked at him and at the stone in his hand, "This is quite a treasure, perhaps you should take it" he said. The human surprised him by curling his fingers over the jewel. "Please my lord, accept it. I have made it to prove my skill and have no use of it" he said. Satoru felt the warmth of his hand and stiffened slightly. Few touched him.

"Will you consider teaching for me then?" Satoru asked. Victor smiled, "I would be honored my lord" he replied. Satoru grunted, "None of that lord stuff" he said gruffly as he turned from Victor, "Just Satoru is fine". Victor watched him go with wide eyes.

When he reached the gates of the orchard Satoru paused, "Hidi, will show you to your classroom. Let her know if there is anything you require. I will expect you to begin teaching next week. I shall draw up your contract with the school and go over your diplomas from Padua University this evening if that it acceptable?"

Victor nodded, "It is. Thank you. I shall endeavor not to disappoint" he said eagerly. Satoru turned from him to hide his smile, "One more thing Victor" he stated. The human fell silent, waiting once more, "My personal library in the residence is much larger…..and at your disposal".

The stoic lord turned and left a flushed and gaping human in his wake. He'd only ever allowed his family and Daishi to enter his personal library. What was it about this human that inspired him to utter such things?

At least this took care of one matter. Hidi would have the man fitted for his robes and have his arena fully stocked for his arrival. He hoped that he did well, he was confident in his skill and Satoru was fairly certain that he could capture and keep the attention of the students as well. Now, onto the matter of Daishi. He would try one more time to keep her from going.

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Kurama was lounging in his chair when Satoru returned from his errand. "There you are" he said, eyeing the more than comfortable position the fox had taken up. Kurama smiled, "You called?". Satoru nodded, "I have procured Victor to teach in Daishi's place" he said. The silver fox nodded and eyes the silver dog.

"This is about Daishi's coming marriage" Kurama stated. Satoru grunted, "After so many years of claiming she was dead to them, they call her back to marry?" he asked incredulously. Kurama shrugged, "It is questionable but stranger things have happened. Families are willing to overlook most anything to secure a beneficial alliance".

Satoru knew that all too well, having seen it happen in neighboring houses. "She was shamed" he said firmly, "What manner of person is this bridegroom?" he demanded. Kurama waved his hand lazily, "Perhaps the kind that judges a person by more than societies niceties" he offered.

Satoru rounded the desk at him, "This is no laughing matter" he snapped. Kurama hadn't moved an inch, "No it isn't but what will you do?" he asked. Satoru sighed, "Speak with her, you are kitsune. She might listen to you". Kurama shook his head, "Even if I did, she'd not listen to me. If there is anyone here that could change her mind, it's you".

Satoru leaned against the wall near the window, "I only wish her happiness and safety" he muttered. Kurama nodded, "Then marry her yourself" he told the inu. Satoru glared at him, "And offer her what? A loveless marriage, a cold marriage bed?" he asked.

Kurama shook his head, "It would not be loveless. You love each other, in a way. Life could continue for you both as it has. She would carry your name and protection and retain her freedom" the silver fox argued.

Satoru sighed, "And when she fell in love? Wished for children? What then?" he asked. Kurama's ears drooped slightly, "I don't know my friend. You want an answer to all the problems and the truth is there isn't one. If you deny her family and this betrothal you risk war. Even your father could not prevent that I'm afraid" he said softly.

Satoru thought for a long time about Kurama's words. "She is too smart, too loving and bright to be locked away like some bauble" he whispered. Kurama felt his sadness even as he felt his own. Rising he moved to stand beside the handsome inu.

He stroked his hand across the fall of hair, "I will speak with her. I can make no promises beyond that". Satoru nodded, "Thank you Kurama". He was still staring out the window when the door closed and the steps faded. Halls of knowledge and not an answer in sight.