InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Demon Choices ❯ Demon Choces Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

Demon Choices R Chapter 4   Sesshoumaru hated New York. There had been a time, his and Rin’s first time here, when they’d both been enthralled by the place. That had been at the turn of the century from the nineteenth to the twentieth as they reasoned in the West and they’d both been looked at as curiosities by the Westerners, Rin in her kimono and he in silken robes and what everyone decided were tattoos of some kind. That had been then he thought to himself looking at the woman who walked at his side. No more kimonos for her, she wore a short wool skirt with leather boots that almost came to her knees and a mink bomber jacket over her cashmere sweater. Of course as long as she was with him she didn’t need anything to keep warm but Rin had fallen in love with furs and he had no intention of denying her anything. But it had been the dogs he saw in the West that he’d come to hate, their contentment with their lot, their contentment with being playthings for humans. He watched a man approach with two dogs, each on a leash and growled down in his throat. Rin looked up at him and gripped his hand tighter. “Sesshoumaru Sama. You’re bored.” “Yes,” he said looking at Rin and gripping her hand tighter. They were in Central Parkand he knew she was enjoying herself. Rin liked people watching and this was one of her joys when she was outside of his domain. He always wondered if she missed being a normal human. He pushed the thought out of his mind. He would not, could not do what his son did and wait for the soul of his beloved to reincarnate after her human body gave out. One of the leashed dogs growled at Sesshoumaru as they walked past him breaking the Demon Lord’s train of thought and focusing his attention on the dog and the dog’s owner and Rin both gave Sesshoumaru a sharp look. The dog owner had no way of knowing but Rin knew how many pet owners had found themselves in possession of suddenly dead canines with no idea how or why their perfectly healthy pet had died. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes slightly and ignored Rin’s admonition sending a jet of miasma towards the dog that had growled at him, smiling as the dog gave a yelp of surprise before blood began to pour from its mouth as it keeled over dead. The screams of its owner brought assistance from other pet owners that would be too little too late. No one gave the Japanese couple a second look as they continued walking. Sesshoumaru looked back to see the other dog giving him what appeared to be a smile. “You’re going to get caught one day Sesshoumaru,” Rin said suppressing a smile. When he didn’t look at her she followed his eyes and saw him staring down a man who was looking at her. Thinking that he was showing a little jealousy Rin felt warmth spread through her groin and moved closer to the only being on earth she loved more than anything or anyone, even her children. Knowing a bored Sesshoumaru was a dangerous SesshoumaruRintried to hurry him along quickening her pace. But she was not fast enough.  She saw the man gasp and grab his throat. Over the centuries Sesshoumaru had learned how to aim jets of miasma instead of releasing clouds of it. For his part the man had no idea what had happened to him even as he lost control of his body and slumped to the ground, dead before landing with a soft thud. “How long have we been away from Japan?” Rin asked and Sesshoumaru looked at her. He knew she knew. “I don’t know Rin. Why?” “No. I just feel as if we should be back home.” Sesshoumaru had learned over the years to trust Rin’s vibes. It was as if she vibrated in time to the ether and when she felt something she was usually right. She shrugged and looked up at the leaden sky. She had never quite understood inter dimensional travel and had no intention of trying to figure it out. She just knew that where humans saw clouds and at night stars to a demon the space above the earth was full of beings traveling here and there. It un-nerved her sometimes to see this, as she was seeing it now. Sesshoumaru of course had seen it all his life and wasn’t fazed in the least. “The children?” he asked following her gaze and watching the demon hordes of the West go about their business. “I don’t know Sesshoumaru. We just need to be there. You need to be there.” A young man sitting on a bench watched what to his eyes was nothing more than a young Asian couple in love. As he watched them the man, with long white hair and an elegant bearing pulled the woman to him and then with a twinkle disappeared into thin air. He sat forward and rubbed his eyes, the effects of his bong now gone leaving him stone cold sober and wondering what the hell he had just seen. This was not some fuckin’ HarryPotteruniverse he thought to himself this was Central Parkin the heart of New York City. “Fuck,” he said out loud before getting up and walking out of the park. His parents later wondered where his new found dedication to school and the business world came from but never asked deciding not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Other eyes had also seen and a grim smile creased the man’s features. The arch demon and his harlot had been found. It had been centuries since his organization had come close to capturing the TaiYoukai of Japan. Here in New Yorkthere would be no rescue by his spawn, no escape into the mountains. With luck they would have him in their grasp sooner than later. JoeBurtonhad gone to Japanas a soldier in World War Two and never come back. Once the war was over he was one of several men who volunteered to help the victims of the atomic bomb blast. It had been during that service that he’d first heard whispers of the Demon Lords of Japan. Many had been convinced the bomb was their payback for the human world exiling them to the forests and streams of the countryside and that the bomb had ruptured the boundary between the human and demon worlds. He heard these statements made at night when the Japanese, thinking the Americans had limited knowledge of their language spoke freely. It was also when the Japanese who tended the sick were not around either. Joe had become immersed in Japanese culture and sometime in the nineteen fifties had begun studies into Shinto, the ancient Japanese religion. Once again he heard about the Demon Lords but this time there were names whispered in rooms shielded against evil. There was a hierarchy and many believed the TaiYoukai, the Demon of Demon’s was one called Sesshoumaru. His half brother, a half human half demon called a hanyou, Inu Yasha, ruled at his side. It was then that he learned of the demon families, the human face of the demon world, and their influence in economics and politics as well as organized crime. He remembered staying awake nights wondering if humans would sleep well knowing the scary monsters they told their children about in jest were actually real entities. Joe had continued his studies, specializing in demonology. Along with a group of like minded men and women he was part of a small group that had ended up studying one family, the Higa family. It had been hard finding out anything about them at first. Like many older families their beginnings were shrouded in mystery and myth. One afternoon he’d been visited by a man who said he had information on the Higa family he’d be interested in. The man had sounded mature on the phone but had turned out to be young, not even out of his thirties. The scroll he’d handed to him had been written in ancient Japanese and he’d told the young man he would need help in translating it. The man had told him that under no circumstances was he to reveal the existence of the scroll to anyone in his circle and that if he needed help he could reach him at a number in Niigata. It had taken a year to translate. At the end of the year he knew he had to know more, to find out if what the scroll stated was true. Traveling to the West he ended up in front of a temple in the city of Niigata. A pleasant young woman came out to greet him and he followed her in where apparently he had been expected. The young man who had brought the scroll to him was sitting in front of an older man, a man who Joeknew to kneel to. They called him by his Japanese name, Takeshi, and asked him if he understood what he had read. “Master, I read, and I translated, but I have so many questions.” When one question was answered two more took its place so that the conversation lasted over a week. At the end of the week the Master had called him in to see him. “Do you have any more questions Takeshi?” “One more Master. What is it you want me to do?” The Master, he’d since passed on, had smiled. “It has taken us years to find someone with the strength to take on the task I’m about to give you. The Higa family is the premier demon family of Japan. We have been after them for centuries, ever since the TaiYoukai murdered every living member of the original family save two who were then forced into marriages with two hanyou members of his family.” “I know that Master.” The Old Man had looked at him and smiled. “You are still American Takeshi,” he said softly. “It is your task to bring the TaiYoukai to us.” “How when so many have failed?!” “It has its vulnerabilities, one of which is its mate, the Lady Rin.” “The Lady Rinis rumored to be the mate of Sesshoumaru. It is said that dark forces have extended her unnatural life. Are you saying that Sesshoumaru is indeed the TaiYoukai?” “Takeshi, you know this.” “But it was just a rumor that he is the Arch Demon.” “It is no rumor. To many learned people the demon’s existence is a myth. We know it is all too real. It’s better to keep the demon’s existence quiet for many reasons. It is one of the few demons’ that live in both the human and the demon world.  Its spawn rule the quarters of the country as well as its myriad business interests.” “If we are to bring him, it, down…” “We want it captive. It will be difficult to kill but again, its mate is the key. Bring her to us. The Arch Demon will follow.”   For the last twenty years Takeshi, JoeBurton, had worked quietly at compiling a database beginning from ancient times. He had a scroll in his possession showing a large dog in the sky with red eyes and liquid fire dripping from its fangs, a waning moon on its forehead. It was the first rendering he’d ever seen of the demon Sesshoumaru in its true form. Very few had ever seen it in its human form as he had today. He knew that no matter what form it was in Sesshoumaru was a canine with an exceptional sense of smell so he had sat downwind from the demon and its mate. Putting his digital camera into an inside pocket of his coat he stood up and headed for the subway and his small apartment in the East thirties. This was home now even though he spent most of his time in Japan. He’d been living here since the sixties and his landlord had no intention of trying to throw him out. Someone had noticed the dead man now and a deep silence fell over the part of the park where the bodies of the dog and the human lay. He had seen the miasma live now and once home he would add the information to his diary. He was old and he knew he had to train someone to take his place. There were lots of young people but the level of seriousness was not what it had been years ago. He had just walked through the door of his apartment when his phone rang. Surprised, he picked it up. Listening, he frowned and then tried to contain his excitement. “I’ll be on the next flight…” “We’ve chartered a plane for you Sensei. Just go to JFK airport.” Takeshi, born Joseph Burton, had never had a summons like this. As Master of the Exterminators no one could command he appear anywhere. But it wasn’t every day a young scholar showed up at Niigataclaiming to know the whereabouts of a legendary jewel. Like many things he’d thought its existence a myth. His phone rang again and he answered it. It was Ise, his assistant saying she’d be downstairs in an hour. When she pulled up she found her Sensei waiting calmly, his blue eyes still bright and alert despite his age. “This is very exciting Sensei. The jewel was supposedly destroyed during the Warring States period. That it is still whole is amazing.” “Who is this person claiming to know where it is?” “Its name is Haru.” “A demon?!” “The first demon scholar willing to work with us Sensei.” Takeshifelt a sense of unease and looked at Ise. She looked fragile but she was far from it. She was a master in martial arts and hand to hand combat. She was no shrinking violet by any stretch of the imagination. “Why?” “I don’t know. It insisted on meeting with you and you alone.” “Where is it now?” “In Niigata, in a safe house. It doesn’t seem to realize the danger it’s in by coming to us.” Joesat back and closed his eyes. A demon scholar. He knew that such a thing existed and that several of the scholars working with his organization had tried to make contact with them to no avail. He thought about the camera in his travel bag and the images he had of Sesshoumaru and the Lady Rin. These would be added to the Higa/Higurashi database. Takeshisighed and opened his eyes looking at the concrete slabs of the highway as they drove to the airport. He’d come to New Yorknot only because he was following a lead about where Sesshoumaru was but also because he was thinking of retiring. He was the first Western born man to ever reach his position and he knew he would be the last for a very long time. There were young people ready to move up, young men and women descended from the New Founding as it was called. One,  a descendant of the monk Miroku and the Exterminator Sango’s daughter Eiko was the front runner. Sanako was fierce, smart and willing to make the sacrifice needed to assume his position. She was on her way to Niigataalong with her partner Hiro, also descended from pure Exterminator stock. The two of them would do well in replacing him. It was odd that after all these years in his adopted country he felt a need to be back in the States, to see the changes in the country of his birth. He understood the urge, had talked about it with the priests who said it was normal. Maybe it was but right now he had to think about how to talk to a demon scholar who was offering information on the fabled Shikon Jewel.   The Demonport in New Yorkwas busy. A high level delegation from Thailandhad been here to take care of some business and was now negotiating for enough space for everyone in their entourage to go back together. There was also a Scandinavian detail and they were threatening to tear the place apart if they didn’t get to leave immediately. Their mood didn’t get any better when the demon they’d been harassing excused himself and rushed to escort Sesshoumaru and Rin to the VIP lounge. A loud crash was heard and security rushed over to try and soothe the Scandinavian’s injured egos and Sesshoumaru smiled. He knew their leader and figured by the time he and his boys finished their fun he and Rin would be long gone. “My Lord, My Lady, would you like anything?” “No, we just want to be cleared to leave.” “Of course. Just a minute…” The demon closed its eyes and stood stock still. “Fine. You may leave now.” Just as they left a blood curdling scream was heard. “Sesshoumaru…” “It’ll be fine Rin. They’re just having fun.” Rin had little time to think about what the Norsemen were doing because she was moving. In the old days, before Demonport’s and regulated travel she and Sesshoumaru had traveled whenever and where ever they had wanted to go. She felt him pull her closer and she looked up into the golden eyes she’d once tried to write a haiku about. It had never been finished because what she saw when she looked in his eyes was not describable, at least not for her. Maybe Matsuor Akihiro could describe their lover’s eyes but she couldn’t. They landed in their bedroom, Sesshoumaru gently placing her on the ground. There were serving demons whose sole purpose was to know when their Lord and Lady were present and they rushed in now bowing and asking to be of service.  Many of them had worked with them for years and knew their habits. “Leave us,” Sesshoumaru said and they left, closing the screens behind them. Rin felt Sesshoumaru seal the room and looked over at him, her body reacting as it always had and she suspected always would. “Come Rin, it’s been a long day,” he said holding out his hand to her. She placed her hand, so small, in his and watched as the long graceful fingers tipped by fearsome claws closed over her hand, the youkai stripes along his wrists visible in the dim light the lamps gave off. She had seen these hands kill, had seen poison come from them, and had seen him dismember their enemies with a flick of a finger. And yet these same hands held her tenderly, touched her body without leaving a scratch if he, and she, so desired. There was no same old thing for Rin when it came to Sesshoumaru. She sighed into his kiss, tender now but later rough and needy as he made love to her, their bodies joined to create one being with no beginning and no end except their love which was the beginning and the end of everything for them. She lay under him now, her eyes fixed on his as she moved in time to his rhythm. Her hands gripped the silk of his hair as she cried out in joy and pleasure, joy at being his and pleasure from what he was doing to her. There was no fear of pregnancy now, he’d done as she asked and taken that ability away from her so that now they mated any time and as often as they wanted to. “Sesshoumaru!!!” she gasped as he moved deeper inside of her, filling her to the point of pain and yet she arched her back and screamed her release, her fluids coating him as he continued to love her, his mouth finding her breast and suckling even as his fangs grazed her nipples adding more pleasure to her already potent orgasm. He feasted on the taste of her blood watching as she lost herself in pleasure, her arms thrown back in complete surrender to him. Sheer will enabled him to hold back until her legs ceased to tremble and she could move to hold him again. “My love, my darling…” she sighed to him. “I love you so much…” He was still buried deep inside of her and he held himself still so he wouldn’t cum while his tongue took in the taste of her as he had done for ages and would continue to do. She was sucking his tongue now and he growled from somewhere deep inside himself. He’d long ago stopped trying to figure out why this human did for him what no demon female ever had. The feel of her soft pink tongue caressing his rough canine one sent shivers down his spine and despite himself he went deeper into her losing himself in her, needing her, loving her. She clenched her vaginal muscles and he cried out his release as he gave her all he had, emptying himself inside of her before closing his eyes and still holding her to him, let his body rest.   At first glance she was a woman. Second glance told you she was a female but not human. Youkai marks tracked across her face and when deep in concentration she tended to grimace like she was now revealing long fangs. She stood up straight now and looked at her children. Yuu her son had just come in from his lessons with his tutor and he was looking in the refrigerator for something to eat. Her daughter Misa was going out with friends. The father of these children had long gone. She’d driven him off after finding out he was secretly courting another female demon. She had been the mate of a demon some had called the greatest of all she thought to herself as she finished  her model room. “Finished?” Misa asked her mother. She was pretty, cute was more like it, and she was a popular young demon with lots of friends. Her brother was the one with his mother’s looks and Sei took a minute to study her son before turning to answer her daughter. “Yeah. I have to go see the client tomorrow. If she likes it…” “You know she will mother. Besides, she doesn’t dare refuse you.” With that Misa was out the door and Yuu looked up shaking his head. “And how are you my son? You’ve been quiet lately.” Yuu had long silver hair from her but his eyes were dark. He looked at his mother and then out of the window of their house. He had to give his mother credit. She’d been alone with two small children and decided she wasn’t going to starve and that they wouldn’t either. One of her lovers had been an architect and she’d sit at his side pretending that she didn’t understand a thing he was doing until the day she secretly did her first design and behind her benefactors back made a presentation to his client. He loved it and ordered her to begin work at once. Going back home she killed her benefactor, tearing his throat out, and told his stunned employees that they now worked for her. That had been a long time ago and now she was known in demon world for her buildings that suited even the most hard to please among them. “I want to meet my brother.” Yuu asked his mother at least once a year ever since he’d been old enough to know who her oldest child was and every year Sei had put him off. Expecting the usual no he was already turning around when she said “I think it’s time you both met him.” Yuu almost dropped his food. “I will get in touch with who I need to. We’ll see what happens.”   Riku did a double take. If she didn’t know better, if she couldn’t see that the demon entering the office was female she would’ve sworn it was Sesshoumaru-sama coming in the door. He’d never had curves like that she thought to herself and then covered her mouth to stifle her gasp of realization. This had to be Sesshoumaru’s mother. Sei was gratified by the young demoness reaction to her and smiled. “I’d like to see HigaJiro.” “Uh, just a minute,” Riku said and pushed a button on her intercom. “Lord Sesshoumaru’s mother is here,” she stammered. Before she got the last phrase out HigaJirowas standing in front of Sei. The two had met years ago, centuries ago actually, when Sei had first come to try and see her son. Sesshoumaru had refused to see her. As he had done then HigaJiroushered her into his private office, now completely done in the modern style combining both Western and Japanese motifs. She chose, as she had then, to sit in the Western style in front of Jiro’s desk. He sat behind it and crossed his legs. He too had her body type and she thanked her sire and mother for giving her such good genes as they said today. “My Lady. How was your trip?” “It was fine thank you,” she said in the smoky voice that was so odd coming from such a slim body. “If I had known…” “I don’t mind traveling the regular way. I’m just his mother, not his mate,” she said smoothly. “I take it you’ve come to try and see him.”
”I know the TaiYoukai is busy and that he has many obligations but his brother and sister have never met him and I think it’s time he did the right thing by them.” Jiro knew exactly what she was talking about and thought about a memo he’d sent to Lord Sesshoumarulast week before he and Rin had taken off for parts unknown. He’d mentioned that his half brother and sister needed to be brought into the fold otherwise they’d become magnets for anti Higa forces in Demon Japan. “The Lord has been consulting with the family about just that Lady Sei.” “Not with that half breed brother of his…” “Lord Inu Yasha and Lord Sesshoumaruconsult on everything affecting the family My Lady.” “Feh,” Sei spat her animosity towards Inu Yasha unabated. “When will I be able to see my son? And of course I want a private audience.” Many demons hated to be around Lord Sesshoumaruand Rin together so Jiro wasn’t surprised at her request. “I’ll see what I can do.”   News of Sesshoumaru’s return spread quickly and the household was galvanized into action. Jaken marched from kitchen to housekeeping to the laundry to make sure everything was in order for their Lord’s return. He hadn’t been gone a long time this time, a few days, but there were things that had to be seen to, one of which was to make sure the Lord was aware of who wanted his time and why. Jaken had had a hard time convincing Sesshoumaru, and Rin, that Sesshoumaru needed a private secretary, someone who interfaced with Jaken and Jiro as well as Inu Yasha’s staff to make sure Sesshoumaru wasn’t blind sided by some demon, or human, who had an urgent petition that was truly urgent. Inu Yasha had chosen someone no one had suspected he would, Kagome. Rin had protested saying that Kagome hated her Lord and that she didn’t have his interests at heart because  Inu Yasha would always come first for her. Inu Yasha been very angry that Rin had brought up the past and told her so in no uncertain terms. Rin had screamed back that Sesshoumaru still bore the scars of what they’d done to him and Kagome had simply gathered herself to leave. Sesshoumaru had ended it by saying he agreed with Inu Yasha’s choice, that it kept things in the family, and that it made use of Kagome’s skills. The trip to New Yorkhad been to pacify Rin. Thus it was that Kagome bowed before entering Sesshoumaru’s private office, a very Japanese place with low pillows and tables arranged for comfort. She sat down and plunked a huge sheaf of paper in front of the TaiYoukai. Sesshoumaru was dressed for his comfort in a pair of wide silk pants and a matching tunic from India. He raised one eyebrow before fixing his eyes on Kagome. She noted how different his eyes were from Inu Yasha’s before speaking. “This is what you get in one week?” “It seems so,” he said calmly. “Well after sorting out the love letters, petitions from humans and demons to take in their children…” “Do we need any fosterlings?” “No to be honest with you. The place is crawling with them.” He nodded and Kagome continued. “…these are the ones that are important.” “How did you decide that?” “After the vote went against us…” That made Sesshoumaru react although you had to have been staring at him to see it. His eyes hardened and she knew she heard him growl angrily despite the fact that his face never changed. “Why?” “It’s been taken care of. The two who made the difference are dead and they’ve sent something for your Lady.” “Have they been checked?” “Yes. Jaken put them away. Jiro was here yesterday. He wanted me to give this to you first.” “Did he say what it was?” “I asked him and he told me it was personal. I thought you might want to read it first.” Sesshoumaru had been watching Kagome the entire time and she knew he was reading her, trying to find a lie in her words. He looked away from her now and she occupied herself with rifling through papers while he read. “What else is there?” he asked putting the note aside. “The Prime Minister wants a private audience. He’s had someone call every day to see if it’s been arranged.” An ironic smile creased Sesshoumaru’s face. “Tell him next week. I’m busy.” “Of course My Lord. There are also petitions for audience from the Tiger Demons. They feel it’s time to let bygones be bygones and want to make peace.” “How do you feel about that?” Kagome took a few seconds before answering. When Hideo and her Aiko had been infants a group of tigers had attacked she and Inu Yasha’s camp in order to kill them and their children. Aiko had been seriously hurt and Kaede had used all her skills to keep the girl alive until they’d gone to Kagome’s time and a hospital. “Politically it’s a good time. There are forces moving against our family that are bold enough to try and defeat us politically. Nothing but good can come from meeting with them now.” “And if they’re coming with bad intentions?” “I’m sure you and your brother can handle them My Lord,” Kagome said with a broad smile. What surprised her was that he returned the smile giving her a glimpse of the being Rin loved so deeply. “I think we should talk about what your duties will be, what I expect of you Kagome. You are my eyes and ears to the outside. You will work closely with Jiro and you will make the decision about whose petitions I hear and who’s I don’t. I don’t mind if you consult with Inu Yasha as well. Next to him you will be my most important advisor.” “Sesshoumaru, My Lord, I don’t know…” “You’ve done well for our first time.”  “I don’t like the papers though. We could make everyone send their petitions via e-mail…” “No Kagome. I ‘read’ the papers in a different way than you. Each one has the aura of its sender on it. Some are lies, some are spells against me, and some are honest offerings. I ‘see’ them as different colors. You managed to sort them exactly as I would have.” “Even putting the personal one first?” “That was important,” he said briskly. “Now, let’s finish this up.”   Sesshoumaru found Rin in the dojo working out to an American exercise DVD. She was in leotards and a tank top and he took a minute to enjoy watching her before she realized he was there. “Sesshoumaru! How long were you standing there?” He smiled and came into the room. “Long enough.” Sesshoumaru handed the paper in his hand to Rin who looked at him before reading it. “Who is Sei?” she asked, puzzled. “My mother.” “Your mother???!!! You never mentioned her for all this time…” “She’s irrelevant to me Rin.” “So why now?” “I have my reasons,” he said and Rin glared at him before turning away and turning off the DVD. “She’s of use to you now.” “Why else would I want her involved in my life at this time?” he said smoothly sitting down on the floor and drawing his knees up to his chest. “My mother has made quite a name for herself in her chosen field of architecture.” “Architecture??? Oh come on Sesshoumaru!” “You know her work. She put a bid in to do work for our family. I turned it down.” “Sei Inc is her?” “Yes.” “How did your mother become an architect Sesshoumaru? It’s not like Japanese women back then were more than vessels for bearing babies, demon or human.”
”After my father’s death she took up with a demon who gave her two more offspring. He died, and then she lucked up. She found a demon who built homes so that we could have our own instead of always killing humans to get them or occupying deserted spaces. She was with him for a long time and she learned all about how to build, who were the best suppliers and builders. After she stole his first client from him she killed him. That’s how she got started.” “And where were you all of this time?” Rin asked, intrigued. Sesshoumaru shrugged, a very human gesture, and watched her let her hair down from the bun she’d twisted it up in. In his mind a flash of the child Rin came to him, her little side pony tail sticking out at an odd angle sitting comfortably in his lap to sleep because she’d had a bad dream. “I had left by then and began my wandering. I was the Lord of the Western Lands not her, she was a whore, and certainly neither my other brother nor my sister lay claim to that title.” “Sesshoumaru that’s a little harsh.” “No it’s not. Whenever my mother needs something she finds a male who knows and becomes his lover.” “Is she that beautiful?” “Until I finally grew up a lot of demons took me for a woman, much to their chagrin. I look just like her.” “Then she is beautiful,” Rin said softly as she touched his face. Sesshoumaru took her hand in his and kissed her fingertips. “So you were wandering…” Rin said trying to ignore the itch between her thighs. Sesshoumaru looked into her eyes and smiled. She was aroused but she was more curious about this part of his life he’d never in their long association told her about. He had to struggle to not get distracted by her scent. “Yes,” he said, his voice raspy with emotion now. “As it became clear I was more than capable of defending my domain she wanted to come and live with me, to associate herself with me. I provided a place for her to live, nothing more.” “You said you have a brother and a sister.” “Yes.” “So is this about your brother and sister?” “My brother is an ass. He wants power given to him without working for it. He’s liable to side with anyone who intends to bring us down that promises to put his sorry ass in power. My sister is interested in males. If she is going to be good for nothing but breeding let her mate with someone who can do us some good.” “You’ve been tracking them.” “Inu Yasha has the best network in Japan,” he answered. Rin fell silent and he sat back looking out at the land visible through the window. He could feel Rin twisting a strand of his hair in her fingers. “How was Kagome?” “It’s not like I slept with her Rin,” he laughed and Rin hit him, hard. If anyone else had done that they’d be dead. Instead he laughed and pulled her closer to him so that she sat between his legs. “Kagome was fine. She’s smart, and she listens.” “And I don’t?” “You listen. We’re here aren’t we?” “Was I right about coming back?” “Yes. The tigers want to meet with me.” “Why? Don’t you think it’s a trap?” “It could be,” he said lifting the heavy black curtain of her hair and kissing the nape of her neck. Rin shivered at the kiss and leaned in even closer. “So why go?” “They’ve been thorns in our side since Sakura deposed Leiko.” “Who is still alive.” “Both she and her son.” “You’re a real font of information today aren’t you?” Rin snapped. Sesshoumaru already had his hand in her hair and he gripped it hard now pulling her head back so that she was looking up at him. Whatever he intended to say went out of his head as he fell into Rin’s eyes. They were so large and clear and right now angry. “Don’t do that Sesshoumaru,” Rin said trying to get out of his grasp without his claws scratching her scalp. He obviously had other ideas and she couldn’t move. “We lost the vote in the Congress,” he said, his lips brushing hers. “The opposition seems to be very well organized this time. You need to know what is going on…” he slipped his tongue past her already parted lips and wrapped it around hers before crushing her mouth with his. When he broke the kiss Rin’s eyes were glazed and her breathing was shallow. “…so that when you go out you will accept the fact that you need body guards with you.” Rin’s answer was a whimper and he released his hold on her allowing her to straddle him and throw her arms around his neck. “I’m not a baby Sesshoumaru.” “You are mine, and because of that you are in danger anytime you’re away from me.” At some point her top had been pulled down around her waist and his tunic over his head. Rin lapped and nipped at his hardened nipples, the sounds he was making deep in his throat a constant accompaniment.  Rin never knew how hard it had been for him not to mate her when she had first gone into heat, how hard it had been for him to take lovers to slake his hunger for her, how hard it had been when he’d thought she would abandon him for a human lover. All she knew was how hard he was between his legs and how hard he plunged into her depths, something that was always new for him no matter how many times they coupled. She knew how hard he came, and how long, and how even spent his arms held her hard against his chest. He heard her breathing slip into that of sated sleep and he apparated to their bedroom so he could lie down next to her and hold her until she woke up. If what he suspected was true their times together like this would be few and far between.   Inu Yasha watched Kagome as she came in, relief flooding through him seeing her smile. You could say what you wanted about his full youkai brother but once you were accepted as part of his life he was protective of you and guarded you with all his power. He thought back to the day he and Sess had talked as he put his book down to go to his mate. They’d been talking about the vote and how important it was for them. They needed to be able to convert some of the old currency they still had into a modern one. Hideo was suggesting Euros with a very minor presence in Yen. Of course that was never mentioned in Jiro’s lobbying and Inu Yasha as well as Sesshoumaru had approved of the strategy. The other families, the Kasai, the Akutagawa, and the Shiranata had quietly thrown their weight behind the effort. Like the Higa family they were demon based from as far back as anyone except a demon could claim to remember. The Kasaifamily was insect demons, spiders and such and their allegiance was fickle. The Akutagawa were a branch of the fearsome boars who sided with them. The Shiranata were the wind and sky demons who if anything were more fickle than the Kasai. But they all had old currency that they wanted to convert without having to answer to regulators and bank clerks.  “What is bothering you Inu Yasha?” “Huh? Nothing Sess.” “I just told you that I found out your mate is outside banging on the door.” Inu Yasha smiled at Sesshoumaru’s quiet humor. “I guess I’m distracted.” “Why?” “I dunno. It’s Kagome. It’s like she’s there and not there. She’s restless and I get the feeling she’s pulling away from me.” “Why would that be?” Sesshoumaru had asked genuinely concerned. “I don’t know,” Inu Yasha had snapped, angry. “Ever since you and I set this shit up and made us one of if not the most feared family in Japanshe’s been weird.” “Kagome has never accepted that you are hanyou which means half demon as well as half human. You mentioned this to me once.” It had been a couple of centuries ago but the conversation was fresh in both demons minds. “And Kenbeing fostered by me didn’t help matters.” “He’s full demon. No way I’d subject him to the prejudice of humans.” Kenand Inu Yasha were very close but the young demon was also close with Sesshoumaru who had seen to it that he was educated much the same way he’d educated Sakura and Taisho. “Any weakness in the family can be exploited by our enemies,” Sesshoumaru had said smoothly. He’d been in robes that day and lazing on his fur ruff, something he did only in private now. “Is that the only thing you care about Sess??? My life could be falling apart now and you care about what some fuckin’ bugs think about us?” “I care that your life stays together so that you and I can continue to run this family,” Sesshoumaru replied not the least bit disturbed by Inu Yasha’s outburst. The two had long ago learned to accept each others personalities although Inu Yasha had told Sesshoumaru many times he had the personality of a mushroom. “You mentioned a while back that I need a personal assistant. I’d like Kagome to fill the position.” “Sess you two fight like cats and dogs…” “Kagome doesn’t really want to leave you Inu Yasha. She feels she’s not part of your life, that you and her children run this vast network and what part does she play? This will make her see exactly what we’re up against and why the business takes so much of your time, and mine.”   “Inu Yasha!!” Kagome said brightly, her eyes shiny and her step much more lively than it had been in some time. “I’m here Kagome. You don’t have to yell. How was it?” Inu Yasha said rousing himself from his thoughts. “I really liked it. Sess even gave me a compliment on how I sorted his mail.” “Tell me you didn’t call him Sess to his face Kagome?” “No I didn’t. I did the My Lord thing until I thought my head would explode. He actually smiled. You guys have to deal with a lot of bullshit don’t you? Petitions, love letters…” “I don’t know what the women see in that brother of mine. They’ve always chased him.” “I remember having to run a few bitches in heat off myself Inu Yasha.” He grinned at her and handed her a beer which she took a long drink from. “Are you two going to meet with the Prime Minister?” “In good time, yes.” “Is his family human or demon?” “Human. There is a minor dog demon family with a hanyou male who may serve us all well. We’re thinking of supporting him politically.” “And you’ll meet with him and his family before you meet with the Prime Minister.” “Yes.” “When?” “I’ll talk with Sess about it tomorrow morning during our breakfast. You should come.” “I couldn’t interfere…” “You’re Sess’s press secretary and assistant. You’ll be working a lot with Jiro. You should know what’s going on.” “What about Rin?” “Rin knows everything. She doesn’t have to be there.” “He talks to her like an equal?” “You don’t understand my brother Kagome. Love is a foreign emotion to him. He’d never admit he was in love with Rin even when it was obvious they were in love from the beginning. If you tell him point blank that he’s in love with her you’ll bet a blank stare.” “Too much information Inu Yasha.She was a child when he first met her. How could he be in love with her then?” Kagome had always thought Sesshoumaru had started a sexual relationship with Rin before Rin  was what she would call a decent age.   “He never mated her until she was seventeen Kagome.” “But…” “Sesshoumaru thinks long term. I guess we have to in order to stay sane. But he talks to her. Since her first and only priority is Sesshoumaru she will always try and show him any personal threat to him. She’s his most important advisor.” Inu Yasha wanted to get Kagome away from what was one of the main things she held against Sesshoumaru. “Over you?” “I don’t sleep with him Kagome.” “You never made me your advisor.” Inu Yasha looked at her for a few seconds. “In a few weeks, when you really see what happens, let’s come back to this subject Kagome.” “Inu Yasha…” “Two moons. Then we’ll talk.”   The Katoaka family had come about later than the Higa family. Many demons had laughed at Sesshoumaru and Inu Yasha for taking over a human family’s lands and business but all of them who wanted to survive had ended up doing the same thing. The Katoaka’s had also been loyal to the Higa’s and made a yearly donation to the fund run by the family. To an outsider it appeared to be a charitable organization and it was run as such by AikoHigurashi. In reality it was the vehicle for the Higa family to accept tributes from subservient demon clans. Some paid reluctantly, some paid willingly. The Katoaka’s paid willingly. In most demon families the head of the family was the founding demon and it was no different with them. Kiyohisa came to the annual gathering for dog demons held at the Old Estate as the mountain fortress was now known. Two years ago he’d brought his youngest descendent, a hanyou named Masaru and introduced him to Aiko, Hideo, and KenHigurashi. They had not driven young Masaru off and he’d talked to them all during the three day event, sitting with them in the family box during Jiro’s address made in the presence of the TaiYoukai himself who had let his eyes rest on the young demon for a few seconds. Inu Yasha had even spoken to Masaru for a few minutes. So when the air demon had appeared inviting Kiyohisa, his son Kyuwa and his hanyou grandson Masaru  to visit the Higa Estate the old demon, he’d been an adult several centuries old when Sesshoumaru had been born, had puffed up with pride. On the appointed day the three males found their way clear at the Demonport and in no time they were standing in front of the main gates of an estate they had only heard about in gossip. Jaken, holding the Staff of the Two Heads had the gates opened and they stepped inside. “This way,” he stated as elegantly as a toad demon could and they followed him, amazed at what they saw. Very few demons had ever been inside the estate and while they knew they were being restricted to a visitors section they were still impressed. Expecting to meet just the Higurashi’s they were stunned when once inside they were faced with a room full of Higa’s and Higurashi’s. The Demon Queen Sakurasat next to her brother the Demon Lord Taisho. Lord Yukiofrom the south was there as well as the three Higurashi siblings. Inu Yasha sat front and center. It was only when they sat that they saw the TaiYoukai himself, Sesshoumaru sitting quietly in a corner. HigurashiHideospoke first and set the tone. He was as blunt as his father and got right to the point. “The Old Families suffered a major set back recently when legislation we’d carefully crafted was defeated thanks to the concerted efforts of the enemies of stability between human and demon. We’ve come to a decision and it involves you. KatoakaMasaru, you are already involved in local demon politics. We have chosen you to run for Prime Minister of Japan.” “I…my Lords, I am honored.” “You must have a human wife,” Lord Yukiosaid calmly. “One who will not break under the pressure of a campaign,” HigurashiAikosaid sharply. “The human press will do everything to try and shame you. We’ll make sure they lay off of you as much as we can.” “Thank you My Lady,” Masaru managed to get out. He had been seeing a young hanyou but this was too big a thing to mess up. “Of course you can keep Arisa on the side,” Hideo said calmly.  “She will be provided for.” “I don’t know any human females…” “We have someone working on that now. This will not be right away. You’ll have time to get to know her. But you will marry her. Arisa will be made to understand why.” Arisa had not been happy about his friendship with the Higurashi’s and she’d be less so now. “How long My Lords?” Kyuwa asked. “How long will we have to prepare?” “You’ll be aware of when you will have to act,” Lord Taishosnapped. “Just follow current events,” Demon Queen Sakurasaid in her bell toned voice. “HigaJirowill be in touch with you in the next few days. That is all.” Knowing they’d been dismissed the three demons bowed and exited. Once outside the gates they headed home, each demon deeply shocked as well as honored. To meet all the Demon Lords, to see the TaiYoukai in person was something few demons ever got to experience. Masaru wasn’t looking forward to telling Arisa about his visit   “What the hell is wrong with you?” Sakura asked her brother as they walked in the garden behind their father’s house. “You acted like a real shit in there.” “Sakura, we’re not kids anymore. I don’t have to tell you everything happening in my life.” Sakura smiled and sat down on a bench situated near a waterfall. “I don’t mean to pry. I was just wondering if it had to do with the fact that your Cho was out dancing with Chomei.” Taisho turned away and Sakura laughed. Like her voice her laugh was like tinkling bells. “What the fuck is so funny sister?” “You’ve finally met your match. From what Kentold me you acted like she had some disease when she showed up with news of a plot that stretched all the way to Europeand Africa. I hear she was very upset when she left your house.” “Sakura…” “Taisho. She’s a modern woman. She’s not Wattan or any of the other bimbo’s you’ve had over the years. Obviously Chomei is messing with your head.” “Any more knives you want to bury in my back Sakura?” “So you’re gonna let that little shit Chomei beat you?” “I don’t take any demon’s seconds. For all I know she’s fucking him.” “Her father gave her to you.” “If she’s a slut I don’t want her.” “Yes you do. If you got Sen out of your bed maybe you could focus on what the real issue is here.” “And that would be?” “This pup Masaru is throwing over his hanyou girlfriend for a human to do something that will advance demon kind. You have a connection to Africaand Europewith AlemNeh’s daughter. She has friends all over the world. And you’re gonna let Chomei ruin what should be our connection? Who do you think he’s gonna have Cho talking to? Not us. That bitch Chiyo will be getting the information we need to have.” “I spoke to Chomei. He said he tried but that she felt he was second best to me. She’s back home in Ethiopia.” “And you haven’t been in touch with her.” “Sakura she’s home with her family. What am I supposed to do, fly down there like some love sick puppy and beg her forgiveness? I’m the Lord of the East. I don’t beg any female.” “You’re an asshole,” Sakura said getting up and walking back into the house. Taisho looked down at the koi swimming in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Sakura was right of course. Cho would never have gone dancing with Chomei if he hadn’t treated her so badly. As he headed back to the house he thought about the gifts the family had received from the Tanakaand Ajibana families. Cho would rebuff such an elaborate display from him he thought to himself. But if he sent her something simple, a floral arrangement he decided, maybe her chill towards him would lessen. He summoned one of the air demons Sesshoumaru kept here and told it what he wanted done before rushing inside the house. Sesshoumaru had something he wanted to talk to him and Sakura about and it wasn’t a good idea to keep his sire waiting.   Both demons looked at their mother who was seated at their father’s side. As usual it was Sakura who spoke first. “When are they coming?” “Tonight. They should be here soon,” Sesshoumaru said. “Are they going to be able to leave?” Taisho asked. “I’ve made arrangements for them to have a house here on the estate. There’s a house suitable for them near the edges of the land. It’s protected of course, and they’ll have their privacy. Jaken is seeing to that.” Jaken’s involvement meant every move they made and every word the spoke would be recorded and passed on to Hideo. “What are they like?” “They were raised by their mother.”
”She’s your mother too…” “She and I hated each other on sight,” Sesshoumaru said. “I used to bite her every chance I got until I was old enough to leave. She was glad to be rid of me.” “Are Akihiro and Matsucoming?” “I’ve spoken to them. I don’t think it’s wise for them to come. The less that asshole Yuu knows the better.” “What do you plan to do for him?” “For now, nothing. He wants power given to him and I think you know my opinions on that. If he proves untrustworthy knowing about Matsuand Akihiro would only give him a bargaining chip with our enemies.” “That sounds right,” Sakura said. “Your Lady mother…” “My mother is simply Sei. You’ll know when they arrive.” Rin had not said a word during the entire exchange and when the meal was through Sesshoumaru gave his mate a look before leaving the room, Taisho in tow. Sakura looked at her mother, this woman who had once been human and who was now something else. Sakura and Taisho were hanyou. Akihiro and Matsuwere pure demon. “Did you know about this?” Sakura asked her mother. Rin stirred as if she’d been deeply asleep and looked at Sakura. “I don’t want to think about how long I’ve been with Lord Sesshoumaru and this is the first I knew his mother was alive and that he has a brother and sister.” “Are you upset?” “His mother’s existence annoys My Lord. I don’t think we’d even know now if the politics of things didn’t demand it.” Rin only referred to her mate formally when she was discussing politics or his standing in Demon World. “He’s jailing them.” “It’ll be pleasant for them. I don’t think they’ll object too much.” “Sei is very successful.” “She can be successful from here. Nothing can interfere with My Lord’s standing, not even his mother.” Rin looked at Sakura, her eyes calm. “What about Taisho and that female demon from Ethiopia? I though he was marrying her?” Sakura gave a dry laugh. “She came here with information about a plot against us and because she didn’t follow his timetable he got pissed off. She ended up with Chomei.” “Chomei!!! Yukio let him back into Japan???” “Yes. He met Cho at the Demonport and they went out dancing. She’s back home now.” “Did Chomei sleep with her?” “Taisho seems to think no so…” Both women looked at each other in understanding and then looked away. “Taisho must never know.” “Of course not.” “And what about you Sakura? How are you?” “Kouga and I are fine mother. Our pups are fine. I wish you could get over your anti wolf prejudice.” Rin looked at her child with mild surprise in her eyes, surprise at the fact that she had never told Sakura exactly how she’d met Lord Sesshoumaruand why both of them had a dislike of wolves. When she started to speak her voice was low. “I guess it’s time you know why My Lord and I dislike wolves. I was killed when I was young. I was orphaned during a plague and lived alone scrounging food for myself. The people of the village treated me like crap because I was an orphan. Your Lord Father had been injured in a fight and he was recuperating in a clearing. I brought him food despite the fact he hissed at me and told me he didn’t eat human food. I brought him fish and water every day. Soon after that wolves attacked my village and I knew if I could find him he would protect me. The wolves got to me first.” “You were dead?” Sakura said, her Demon Queen persona replaced with that of a daughter who was learning something about her parents she had never known. “Yes.” “Then how…” “He revived me.” “How?” “He is a demon among demons. He managed it. And I’ve been with him ever since.” Sakura knew her mother was leaving something out but she didn’t know what to ask to get at the truth. Before she could formulate a question Jaken came in to tell them that Sei and her children had arrived.   Flanked by his children Sesshoumaru sat on his low throne, the one he used for non formal events in the receiving room. He was dressed in black silk now, his feet clad in the custom made shoes he favored. He knew how to comb his hair to hide the crescent moon on his forehead but he let it hang naturally now, his youkai marks clear and the blue crescent easily visible. Taisho and Sakura sat on either side of him while Yukio stood at his back. Four sets of eyes were fixed on the three demons that flanked by Sesshoumaru’s guards, entered the room and bowed deeply. Sei had lectured her children on showing the proper respect to their brother expecting him to greet them alone. When she saw the four Demon Lords in the room Sei knew this was not going to be a warm family reunion. “My Lord. It is good to see you again,” Sei said to her son. Sesshoumaru didn’t answer looking at the demon that had given birth to him, a demon he hadn’t seen in hundreds of years as if seeing her for the first time. “Is it?” he finally said after studying his siblings who were not even bothering to hide the fact they were looking for the exits. The power in the room hummed in their ears, power at a level they’d never even imagined existed. “As I remember it you thanked all that is evil when I left.” “That was a long time ago.” “So it was,” Sesshoumaru said dryly. “You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like…” “My Lord, I’d like you to meet your brother Yuu and your sister Misa,” Sei said quickly as she pushed her children forward. They bowed and stepped back. A smile played at Sesshoumaru’s lips. “These are my offspring, Demon Queen Sakuraof the North, Lord Yukio Demon Ruler of the South, and Lord Taisho, Lord of the East and the EasternSeas.” The meaning of the introductions wasn’t lost on anyone in the room. “Servants have been appointed to see to your needs. Please make yourself at home.” If his mother and siblings didn’t get it the guards saw to it they did, ushering them out the hall and towards a large house. Sesshoumaru hadn’t lied. Their rooms were well appointed and there was food waiting. Later, after bathing and eating their fill Yuu looked at his mother and sister. “I hope you two realize that we are never leaving this place.” “Yuu!!! Sesshoumaru may be many things but he would never imprison us!!!” Sei said trying to convince herself that her words were true. Yuu remembered the hard amber, gold, and bronze eyes that had been fixed on them and remembered seeing no hint of warmth or welcome. “We’re prisoner’s mother. That’s what we are and what we will be the rest of our lives.” Sei cut her eyes at her son and walked over to the door of the house. “This place is beautiful isn’t it?” she sighed. Whoever had laid the property out had done it a long time ago and had been very good at his job. Misa pushed past her mother and headed down the path back to the main compound. “Where are you going?” Sei called after her. “For a walk.” “Looking for a male,” Yuu said sarcastically. Misa made a face but kept on walking. Sei turned to her son and sighed. “So what do you think of your brother?” “What does it matter?”
”It matters to me Yuu. Tell me.” “He let us know we are nothing to him. Each of his offspring runs a domain. What do we have? Do we even have titles?” “What do you want Yuu?” Yuu shook his hair out and stepped out onto the veranda. “To matter.” “Sesshoumaru has always been the way he is.” “No mother. He was born a demon like me. What he is now he made himself.” “I gave birth to him Yuu. I know what he is. He was born the way he is.” “And you said he was difficult. What did you mean?” Sei turned away. The birth had been typical Sei thought looking back. Sesshoumaru had not opened his eyes or cried when he was born lying peacefully on her and nursing when he was hungry. The first times he nursed had been fine, he’d suckle and go to sleep. That had all changed when he opened his eyes. The look turned from wonderment to hatred so fast Sei had barely had time to register the change before she felt sharp little teeth bite into the flesh of her breast with every intention of inflicting pain. From that day on Sesshoumaru had done nothing but show he hated her, especially when he became aware of just what he was and where he stood in demon hierarchy. He was born heir to the Western Lands and intended to rule side by side with his father. He’d never told his mother that in so many words, she’d just known it by his attitude and his actions. When his sire had fallen in love with the human woman Sesshoumaru had been horrified at the thought of the Great Demon of its time falling for the wiles of a simple human woman. Everything that happened after that, from his sire bringing the miko, heavy with Inu Yasha, to live in the castle to his sire’s death in battle with the dragon Sesshoumaru blamed on Inu Yasha’s mother. Her humanness weakened his sire as far as Sesshoumaru was concerned and his hatred of humans began in earnest. Once his father had died Sesshoumaru put Inu Yasha and his mother out of the castle and sealed it off with spells that would not allow them to ever find it again. That Inu Yasha now ruled at Sesshoumaru’s side amazed Sei. “Sesshoumaru has always hated what he sees as weakness in me. He felt that if I had been demon enough a human wouldn’t have been able to take the Great Demon from me.” Yuu said nothing. Sesshoumaru had looked at him, his sister and mother with total contempt bordering on loathing when they’d arrived. “Yet he’s mated with a human, a human that if the stories are true, he befriended when she was a child,” Yuu said. “Of his offspring only Lord Yukiois a full blooded demon, yet you felt the power in that room. If we had come here intent on harm we would be nothing now.” Later, after Misa had returned, a satisfied smile on her face, and Yuu had retired Sei thought about her younger son’s words and her response. Misa would make herself happy anywhere and Sei had seen enough guards and retainers to keep the young demon happy for a long time. Whether Sesshoumaru would tolerate her promiscuity was another matter. Coming to a decision she stretched out on the futon to rest. Tomorrow morning she would have a private audience with her oldest son.