The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Artist

Chapter 170 - The Artist *Dual* and *Storm and Fire* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

On his way to his study Sesshoumaru stopped to collect Kagome's textbooks to give them to Atsushi, his scribe. The taiyoukai flipped through the pages of the books that had so intrigued him during his recovery as Prince. It was a pity that they could not find a way to copy the images as well. They were extraordinary, and some of them were important to the comprehension of the material. Having the text wouldn’t be as effective without the images.

Suddenly, an idea stuck him and Sesshoumaru smirked at his own brilliance. Seiko! The dungeon interrogator was an amazing artist, and though he had only ever seen him work in one medium, he didn't doubt that talent would transfer to paints. The images didn't have to be perfect, just close, so the taiyoukai decided to have him try. Between his scribe and Seiko, he hoped the two could easily recreate Kagome's textbooks.

As soon as he reached his study, the Western Lord handed a few of the books to his scribe, who was just finishing up the last few scrolls announcing his mating to the miko. He summoned Jaken, who he then sent to collect Seiko. The artistic interrogator arrived quickly, having been given one of the smaller rooms in the family wing.

"I have a task for you, Seiko, if you think you are up to it."

Seiko was surprised at being asked such a thing, but he had heard enough from the other servants about the changes in their Lord that he managed to hide it. "If it is at all possible, my Lord. I will do my best."

"Good," Sesshoumaru started, opening Kagome's history book, and laying it on the desk for him to see. "I would like you to recreate the images in your new Lady's books before she has to return them. Do you think you can do so?"

The interrogator turned artist studied the glossy image on the page before flipping through to look over a few others. "What magic is this, my Lord?"

The taiyoukai smirked. "Not magic, just one of the many reasons my angel is so different. Perhaps you shall know the truth someday, but until then, you will simply have to accept that she has a great deal of amazing things that no one but she understands."

Seiko nodded, knowing it was not his place to demand more information, although he was intensely curious. A thought occurred to him. "I do not have the necessary supplies to do as you have asked."

"That can be easily resolved. Do you think you can do it?"

Begin *Storm and Fire* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"I can try," Seiko replied, unwilling to give assurances in case he failed. He truly had never had the option to work with paints, and he wasn't sure of his skills. Carving flesh and using blood to make prints was something entirely different from using canvas and paint.

"Good. Tomorrow, we will go to the village and purchase whatever you may need. There is, however, a time constraint. Once you have attempted a successful image or two, I will have Kagome choose which are priorities, and which can be skipped."

"I doubt I will be able to recreate them in such a small size."

"That is of no consequence. All that I ask for is your best effort. You may take that book with you to look over if you so desire. Just be sure to keep it safe. If it was to be damaged..." Sesshoumaru trailed off, leaving the threat unspoken.

"I will guard it with my life, my Lord." Seiko waited a moment, ensuring that the taiyoukai was finished speaking with him, before picking up the book and leaving the room. As he walked, he flipped through the pages, intrigued with the book's contents. He couldn't read, but the images alone were incredible, as if he were looking at a blazing inferno right in front of him instead of a recreation on a page. He flipped further, seeing more amazing things. There were buildings unlike anything he had ever seen and map after map depicting areas he did not recognize. Another image showed trees being bent under the wind in what he assumed was a hurricane, though the items in the background were unfamiliar.

Could he do this? Could he recreate such unique and perfect pictures? He most certainly had to try because the last thing he wanted was to disappoint Lord Sesshoumaru, not only for his own safety, but also for the future of his art. If he did well, perhaps he would be allowed to continue to paint, but if he failed, he didn't doubt that he would find himself in the dungeons again, working with only a blade and blood. It wasn't like he could afford paints on his own, and if the Western Lord was investing money in him; he needed to show him it was worth it. This might just be the greatest challenge he had ever faced.