InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Demon Choices ❯ Demon Choices Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Demon Choices R Chapter 5   “Time heals all wounds.” The human expression noting the healing effects of time on all hurts physical or mental floated through Inu Yasha’s mind as he closed the ties of his ivory silk yukata. He noted in passing that he was wearing boxer briefs under the plain robe, something he never would’ve done in centuries past. He smiled to himself remembering how Kagome had welcomed his innovation a little too enthusiastically for his taste. It was unusual for human expressions to seep into his consciousness unless he was dealing directly with them which was rare and his half smile turned to a frown as he slipped on his red fire rat outer garment. The house was quiet, it wasn’t quite dawn yet, and Kagome was still asleep in their room. Kenhad not come home last night. Inu Yasha knew he should be used to his son not being under their roof, how many nights had Ken slept in Sesshoumaru’s compound, but something was making him uneasy about the young demon’s not being home from carousing yet. He dismissed the feeling and stepped outside noting that the fog still clung to the ground. He sensed the shield between the world they lived in and the human world was still intact, still solid even as he felt something else. He wasn’t the mage, that was Sesshoumaru’s job, and he idly ran a clawed hand over his thick white hair as he headed for his half brother’s compound. He had not expected Sesshoumaru to bring his mother and half siblings into his compound and he had thought about the implications of that all last night. For Sesshoumaru, who trusted no one and for who love was a foreign word to bring these demons in meant that the Intel Inu Yasha was feeding him portended a more serious threat than even he suspected. The demon girl from Ethiopia had given information that proved the plot was not just against the family but against the loose federation demons from around the world had formed in response to one formed by the gods. Any changes in the Demon Alliancewould necessitate changes in the God’s alliance which would allow humans to move more proactively against demon kind. Despite demons’ basic inability to suffer each others presence for more than short periods of time the federation had worked. Inu Yasha was so lost in thought he didn’t scent his son until the youngster was right up on him. “Hey Dad. What’s up?” Kenmust’ve gone to a club where human’s and demons mixed since he had his contacts in. With the contacts his eyes were brown and had human style pupils, as if his clawed hands and thick white hair didn’t mark him as a Higa Inu Yasha thought to himself. The youkai marks started at his nose and disappeared into the thick hair that fell around his face. Like his father Ken’s ears were on top of his head and he pulled off the backwards baseball cap he wore to cover them if he was in mixed company. “Off to see my Lord Uncle?” “Yes. Please don’t wake your mother. She was up late last night.” “I thought she went to these sessions with you now?” “I wanted to talk to Sess alone. She’ll be along later. Anything I need to know?” Kenraised an eyebrow at the question. “You are asking me what is going on? Are you all right?” “I asked a question Ken. Yes or no?”
Kenleaned against one of the supporting beams of the veranda and looked at his father. “Yeah. The demons were acting like they didn’t want me around.” “Where did you go?” “The Lair. They just kept staring at me like I had two heads.” “Did they?” “None of them were there last night. Just the ones like us.” “Dogs?” “Not only dogs. The boars, the oxen, some of the eagles were there too.” Inu Yasha noted that Kendidn’t mention wolves or foxes. “Did you enjoy yourself anyway?” “Yeah. And no, I didn’t meet anyone. You think I could go visit Akihiro? He’s got some new scroll or artifact he found in Chinathat he wants to show me.” Akihiro and Kenwere like brothers and often visited each other for long periods of time. “Be careful at the DemonPort.” “No prob. I just want to talk to Mom. Tell Uncle SessI said hello.” “I will.” They went their separate ways and Inu Yasha looked up at the sky again. Something didn’t feel right to him and he wondered if Kaede was feeling it as well, glancing towards the part of the compound that housed the miko’s. Vegetation shielded them from view and they used their own spells, the only spells Sesshoumaru allowed to be used inside the compound proper that weren’t his. Kaede had fought hard to win that right Inu Yasha remembered continuing on his walk, his bare feet not making the slightest indentation in the dew drenched grass. As he got nearer to Sesshoumaru’s compound he felt the silence of it like a living thing and knew his half brother was not only up, the demon hardly slept, but was probably outside of the main house. But Inu Yasha was not expecting to see his brother standing on the veranda, eyes fixed on the sky. Even from a distance Inu Yasha could tell his brother was transforming so he wasn’t surprised to see Sesshoumaru levitate and turn into a mass of swirling light. Soon a huge leg appeared followed by another and then another, the claws flexing in anticipation. As the Demon Lord’s entire spirit form emerged from the light he looked down at his brother who was now growling in his chest as well. The two demons looked at each other, Inu Yasha staring into the red eyes of the now almost fully grown demon for what seemed to onlookers a long time. Ken came running carrying his father’s sword, his mother Kagome now fully awake running right behind him. As soon as Inu Yasha took the sword from his son it grew to a size Kenhad never seen before even as Kagome came to a stop next to her husband and mate, her arrows slung over her back, bow in hand. Kenhad transformed, he was half the size of Sesshoumaru and he took off after his uncle. “Ready Kagome?” “Yes. Let’s see what the hell is going on.” No one saw Rin who was standing on the veranda watching as the others ran off to do battle. The last words Sesshoumaru had said to her were to stay put. He then told Jaken to stay with her. The little toad was standing in the shadows looking up at the sky where Sesshoumaru and Kenhad disappeared. Before anyone could get too lost in the moment Juri’s voice rang out as she and her guards took up positions around the compounds of Sesshoumaru and Inu Yasha. “Lady Rin. You should go inside,” Juri said coming to stand in front of her. “As the TaiYoukai’s mate you are in danger should our enemies penetrate our defenses.” “Juri is right My Lady,” Jaken said. Rin started to tell them she had been at her Lord’s side since she was a little girl but she knew her words would fall on deaf ears. If anything happened to her, if she was in the slightest bit of danger, if she got a scratch as a result of this battle both Jaken and Juri would face the wrath of her mate. Sighing inwardly Rin gave a tight smile and allowed herself to be led inside. Once there Jaken and Juri left and she sat down on the sofa crossing her legs. How dare Kagome envy her Rin thought to herself. Inu Yasha and Kagome had more memories of battles together than Inu Yasha had fighting along with Sesshoumaru. She got up and walked to the window. If only she knew what was going on outside.   Dreams of glory had filled their heads. When Ken, youngest son of the Demon Lord Inu Yasha had strolled into the Lair last night all the young males had thought of was what glory would be theirs if they brought down the TaiYoukai on their own. Their leader was now dreaming he could find a way to escape the poison gas that had weakened his friends leaving them open to attack by Inu Yasha and his miko bitch Kagome. Those that tried to get away any other way were sliced to shreds by the two demonic canines that swooped and dove with the ease of the wind, their claws now dripping blood, demon blood. “Who sent you?” Inu Yasha said softly, his sword at the young demon’s throat. The scent of blood and gore filled the young ox demon’s nostrils and he shook his head trying to clear it. “We came on our own…” Sesshoumaru and Kenwere nearby watching having come to earth since there were no more air born demons to fight. Sesshoumaru was calmly licking his paws clean while Kenlicked at a minor wound on his side. The scene would’ve been funny to Inu Yasha if he hadn’t just seen them kill ten young demons. He turned his mind back to the young demon who was lying prostrate under his blade. “Don’t fuckin’ lie to me. Who sent you?” “No one.” The two dogs had stopped licking themselves and were now watching intently as Inu Yasha interrogated the young male. When he had repeated his story four times Sesshoumaru stood up and loped over to where the young ox demon lay on the ground. With one swipe of his paws he killed the young male, nearly cutting him in two. Partially turning back to his human form Sesshoumaru looked at his brother. Inu Yasha had never gotten used to this face, half dog, half human, the eyes red as fire with razor sharp teeth lining the still canine mouth and jaw. Kenhad not bothered to shift from his canine form. “I’m going to finish this.” “Sesshoumaru…” “No more words Inu Yasha.” Shifting back Sesshoumaru and Kenrose into the sky and disappeared. “What do you think they’ll do?” Kagome asked Inu Yasha. “Destroy everything Sess and I have tried to do for the last few years,” Inu Yasha said bitterly. “Should you go after them? Sess in his right mind…” “Not only did they come after our son, they came after all of us and attacked our home.” “They didn’t succeed…” “You’ve lived with us long enough to know the rules Kagome. If they’d gotten through and caught you, or Rin, or any of our children we wouldn’t be having this conversation. You and Rin represent everything they hate and would be the first to die.” Kagome had no response and she walked quietly at Inu Yasha’s side, not seeing Juri until the female was right on top of them. “What would you have me do My Lord?” she asked Inu Yasha. “Prepare our defenses, keep everyone on high alert.” “Of course My Lord.”   Halfway to Eien’s compound Sesshoumaru reverted to human form and created the red cloud he sometimes used to travel on. He hovered until Kenshifted form and joined him. “Why shift forms?” Kenasked. Sesshoumaru didn’t answer and continued on his way, his face grim. Kendecided it was best to let Sesshoumaru do whatever he planned. Usually when he was this quiet it meant he was working on something best not discussed beforehand. Sesshoumaru glanced at Kenwondering if he had ever been so young and eager for a kill. The young demon’s claws were caked with now drying blood and the front of his clothing was deeply stained with it. Noting that he was in the same condition Sesshoumaru idly licked at one of his claws, his body reveling in the taste and power of the dead demon’s blood. Aware that Kenwas watching him he met his nephew’s eyes holding the pup’s gaze before turning forward, his body still. Jaken had joined them, he had no idea when, and his mind briefly went back to the older days, the days when Rin would’ve been holding onto his robes, her little face concentrating on maintaining her balance while her eyes looked up to him with nothing short of worship reflected in their dark depths. When they had become lovers he’d stopped her from coming with him making his patrols and going on forays like this with Jaken. But now was no time to think of Rin because his body would start to react in a way he didn’t need it to right now. Instead he lifted his hand and let the scent of blood and power fill his nostrils. Seeing the dome of power that marked the border of Eien’s compound Sesshoumaru eased the cloud to the ground, lightly stepping off of it before it disappeared. “What now My Lord?” Kenasked even as Sesshoumaru moved forward. “We surprise Lord Eien. Come.”   Eien switched to his demon form and with his mate and two sons in tow headed out. He didn’t have  as strong a sense of smell as the dogs did he thought to himself but he would know Sesshoumaru’s stench anywhere no matter what form the demon took. To say he’d been upset by the actions of his son was putting it mildly. “What the hell were you thinking?” he’d thundered at the demon’s who’d survived by getting as far away from the TaiYoukai as fast as they could. That they’d come right to his home was in his mind putting his life, and all of his dependants lives, in danger. His wife had told him that he had no choice, that he would either take the fight to the TaiYoukai or die a coward in cowering in his home. She’d always been blunt and her words always hit home with him. He looked over at her, their hooves hitting the ground so hard sparks flew and the very ground trembled. Lighting flashed between their horns and their bellows had the force of thunder. Neither demon was surprised to find the TaiYoukai standing just on the other side of their barrier. It was in human form and the pup of Inu Yasha and the MikoKagomestood at his side. Jaken, holding the two headed staff, stood in front of his master. “You mock me Sesshoumaru,” Eien said refusing to address Sesshoumaru by his title. Levitating slightly Sesshoumaru gave a half smile. “And you mock me Eien. Have I become your equal?” “We are youkai. On the field of battle there are no titles,” Eien said having reverted to human form even as his mate retained her demonic form. “Did you authorize this attack?” Sesshoumaru asked, his long white hair rippling behind him as he gathered his power. Eien’s eyes’ widened seeing the force that swirled around the demon known as TaiYoukai. It had been a long time since he’d seen the Demon Lord face to face and Eien was surprised at the amount of power Sesshoumaru could summon with ease. “It was time that you become aware of the level of disgust with your rule dog,” Eien spat gathering his own power around him, his long dark hair whipping in the wind. Ken took the opportunity to move around to the flank of Eien’s mate and while both oxen were marveling at the power that glittered and swirled around Sesshoumaru he transformed and before the female could react Ken’s claws raked under her chin while his fingers grabbed her windpipe. With his other claw he severed it and stood watching as the huge demoness fell gasping for air as her life ran out of her. Eien felt her death and lifted his head beginning his transformation even as he cried his anger to the skies. He never finished transforming as Sesshoumaru warped in close and using one long claw sliced his old enemy open from throat to belly before reaching in and disemboweling him. Blood and gore spattered Sesshoumaru’s clothing as the demon fell mortally wounded. Now Sesshoumaru transformed, his features elongating, his mouth stretching back to reveal a row of razor sharp teeth while his eyes turned fire red. Ken needed no prodding now, Sesshoumaru had talked to him about doing this many times and while Jaken trailed behind them the two canines streaked through the opening in the shield, Sesshoumaru using his miasma as his advance guard, felling every demon defender in his path. Those who managed to remain standing were mowed down and sliced to death by Ken. Any who tried to distract the two demons were met with destructive blasts from the staff of the two heads wielded by Jaken. In less than five minutes the compound belonged to Sesshoumaru who still in demon form hovered above the carnage, his nephew at his side. The shield collapsed with an ear splitting roar and in the human world thunder crackled as lightning snaked across the sky. The wind blew as if a typhoon were coming ashore. There were still demons alive below and Kenwent in to mop up. Humans ran to the temple for protection and the priests, knowing something major was happening in DemonWorld let those who wanted to stay in the temple stay even as they sent an emissary to the Exterminators. In DemonWorld a solitary form stood hidden in the trees knowing the stench of blood would mask its presence. The TaiYoukai had increased his power over the years he remarked to himself. He would have to revise his plans. The Demon Lord he saw today would not be easily defeated. And on the other side, in human form, the eldest son of Eien, Date,  stood watching as Sesshoumaru slowly returned to human form hovering just above the mangled bodies of his family and friends. Date’s eyes burned red and his breath, visible in the cold air, jetted from his nostrils. The younger Demon, Date was not sure who he was, turned crimson eyes in his direction and Date took off going deeper into the forest. There would be time for revenge he thought to himself.   The silence held. In the human world men and women held their children close as they looked around, eyes wide with fear that the earth would start shaking again, or that the wind would howl and scream again as it roared over the land. Scientists went on television to talk of earthquakes and the wind storms that often followed them. Simpler folk stayed out in the open afraid of aftershocks and huddled around bonfires. In the temples and shrines nervous glances were exchanged. Some consulted seers and found their pronouncements more baffling than usual. But within each group there were those who understood what the “Fang of Death” was and what the “Ruler of the Western Lands” meant. Those who knew gathered quietly under cover of darkness where one of their group spoke as if the demons they were discussing were standing in their midst. Only the eldest in their midst had been alive during the last demon war and remembered the devastation that had been visited on the country as the war had been waged across all of Japan. “Inu Yasha used the wind scar. Sesshoumaru destroyed an enemy. But there is no guarantee the battles will end any time soon,” the elderly priest said, his voice barely above a whisper. “The dogs were asleep and now they’ve been awakened.” Speaking had been an effort and the old man ceased lapsing into silence. “In the past there were gateways to the DemonWorld but now they’ve been closed.” “Made difficult but not closed,” a young monk said. “The Superiordemons cross in and out of their world at will.” Several older monks shushed him but the young man continued. “We shouldn’t be afraid to confront them on their terms. We are servants of the Gods and we should be able to do something to stop their war from hurting us.” “You don’t know what you’re saying boy. Be quiet.” Teika was trained to listen to his elders and he did stay quiet during the rest of the debate but later that night he decided that he needed to try and find out what he suspected on his own. If the old demons were alive enough to fight with weapons that he’d been told were legendary and belonged in the realm of myth then the portals to their world not only still existed but they were functional. As he packed his things he thought about the things his grandmother had told him about the Lord of the Western Lands. “His name is Sesshoumaru,” she had whispered, her eyes darting around as if the Demon Lord himself were lurking in the shadows. “He is a beautiful man when he’s in human form, with golden eyes and long white hair. His brother is Lord Inu Yasha, a hanyou.” He had asked what a hanyou was and she had spat on the ground before answering. “The spawn of a demon and a human,” she had said with contempt. “He too has golden eyes and long white hair.” “So they’re humans…” “They are demons imbecile,” she’d shot back at him. “Demons that can take the form of humans, but they are dogs.” “Dogs???!!!” he had said incredulous at the idea of the pets he knew having demonic sides. His grandmother had ignored his surprise and continued. “Their father before them ruled the WesternLandsand the eldest son Sesshoumaru took over from him. Why do you think that we tell you children not to wander at night? Heaven help you if you cross his path while he is on patrol at night.” She had told him that the younger demon brother wielded a sword that could bring death to any demon foolish enough to challenge him. She had not mentioned the older demon, the one called TaiYoukai, having a sword but the same old man who had spoken up today had once told him that the father of the two demons had bequeathed each a sword, one dealt death and one had the power to grant life. He thought about this as for the first time in ten years he walked off the temple grounds. The sky had run red during the wind storm and lightning had flashed across the blood red sky. As he approached the lights of the town he was surprised to see the old man waiting at the end of the road. He too was dressed in civilian clothes and carried a small suitcase. “Momoru-san.” The man who appeared frail and decrepit inside the temple was surprisingly spry now, eyes bright and his demeanor excited. “Teika, you and I are making this journey together. It’s been years since I crossed Lord Sesshoumaru’s path and I would love to see him one more time.” “Momoru-san…” “I was a boy and I disobeyed my mother and went out at night into the forest. I heard voices and I went towards them. There, in a clearing, I saw him. He was sitting with his familiar who carried the Staff of the Two Heads. His two headed dragon beast was nearby. No sign of Lady Rinthough she had to be there. He knew I was there because he turned and looked right at where I was hiding, those golden eyes staring right at me. I thought I was dead. Forgetting all caution I turned and ran screaming back to the village. My father and the men went out looking for him but all they found was the remains of the campfire. This was just about 1930 and I was ten years old. Because I saw the TaiYoukai and survived I was sent to the Temple. Before I die I want to see him one more time.” “Why?” “He has survived centuries beyond measure Teika. To see him now, a fully adult demon at the peak of his power would be a gift for these eyes. Then I could die in peace.” “How could he be an adult at full power if he’s lived so long?” “Demon’s don’t age like we do. Just like the Gods, their lives extend forever unless they are killed by foolish humans or other demons. When I saw him he was a mere teenager in demon terms although he’d been TaiYoukai for centuries.” “But they are demons. Why would it be foolish to kill them?” “There must be a balance between light and dark. When humans interfere and upset this balance chaos ensues. Too much good becomes evil. This is what the Exterminators don’t understand.” Momoru sighed. “To see the two of them would be something,” he said almost to himself. “Momoru, where should we go?” “To the Western Forests. We can travel as far as we can by train and car but after that we will have to go in search of him.” The two men ended up on a bus where the old man fell into a contented sleep. In the morning the abbot, seeing the two of them gone, sighed.  There was nothing he could do now to stop them. A novice ran over to him and bowed deeply. “The Exterminators are here sir.” Looking at Momoru’s empty cell he set his features and turned to the young man. “I am coming,” he said.   The last person the abbot expected to see was the gaijin, the head of the Exterminators himself. Yet the man was sitting in his study drinking tea after having spent the morning listening to eyewitness reports of the events of the previous day. At his side sat two young people that even here he’d heard of. To many they were akin to royalty having descended from a line of monks and miko’s who fought demons face to face from feudal times onward. The fourth person sat quietly in the shadows, her eyes and ears taking in all that was being said. Takeshiknew more about the demon than anyone else alive right now and with Sanako and Hiro the abbot felt no one alive was better prepared to assess the threat. So when Takeshisaid that at the present time they couldn’t know what was going on the abbot was surprised. “But the legends state…” “You have to understand that every natural occurrence isn’t related to demons…” “I beg to differ Takeshi-sama but we have been here for many years. The phenomena are consistent with demonic activity.” “And why would the demon Sesshoumaru be involved? It could be any demon.” Hiro and Sanako were at a loss as to why Takeshiwas being so negative. Once they were on their way back to the hotel Hiro could take it no longer and asked why the negativity. “There’s not doubt some one is trying to go against Sesshoumaru and Inu Yasha. I just think it’s not a good idea to get people involved who shouldn’t be. That’s why we’re going to the epicenter.” “But…” “They know the legends but they don’t know the demons. Let’s see what we can find out on our own.” “And if it’s them?” “Then we deal with it.”   Sei had been trying to see her eldest son for two days so the last thing she expected was to see him stroll into her front yard. He was dressed in the modern style today, jeans, a black silk shirt and custom made sneakers strong enough to contain his clawed feet. “My Lord,” she said hastening to her feet and bowing deeply even as she kicked at Misa who stood up slowly and was just beginning to bow even as her brother sat down on the top step of the veranda. His hair wasn’t really white Misa noticed but silver toned. The expressionless golden eyes were waiting for her to see them looking at her and she turned away from them looking down at her feet. “May I get you something?” Sei asked running the palms of her hands down the side of her jeans. Sesshoumaru noted that Yuu wasn’t there and now turned his attention to his mother. “You wanted to see me?” he said in that bored tone that drove her up the wall. She wondered if he spoke like that to Lady Rinwhen they were alone. “You went into battle. I wanted to make sure you were fine.” Sesshoumaru looked at her with barely contained contempt which Sei struggled to ignore in order to maintain her pleasant disposition. “Why the concern Sei-chan? Did you think I would be killed and you haven’t had time to figure out how to become something that matters here?” “Sess…My Lord, I would never presume…” Sesshoumaru looked up at the sky, his hair falling back from his face. “You are secure here,” he said indifferently. “Your daughter is what brings me here.” Misa jerked her head up and stared at her brother. “She is causing disruption among the males with her promiscuity. Since she is obviously a whore who needs constant sexual fulfillment I have decided to entertain an offer from an ally. One of Taisho’s vassals expressed an interest in her. He’ll be here later today. Make sure she is presentable.” “My Lord!!! You know the rules…” “I make the rules here Sei-chan. Have her ready.” “She is your sister and she has the right to refuse…” Sei grabbed at her sons wrist trying to lessen the pressure of clawed hand that encircled her neck. “Did I say something you didn’t understand Sei-chan?” “N-n-n-no My Lord.” “Don’t I get a say in this?!” Misa said walking right up to Sesshoumaru and getting in his face. Before she finished the last statement she found herself slamming into the front wall of the house blood streaming from her nose. “You stink of sex,” Sesshoumaru said looking down at her where she was sprawled on the ground. Turning back to Sei he relaxed his grip on her throat. “Make sure she is clean and ready,” he said turning and walking away. “Mother he can’t do that…” “He can,” Sei said tersely. “I hate him.” “Hate him all you want but we have to obey him. Come, let’s get you cleaned up.” “I’m not mating with some jerk Taisho wants to give me to.” “You are the sister of the TaiYoukai. Anyone you mate will move up in the hierarchy as will you. We’ll see who this demon is and take it from there.”   Kagome entered the dimly lit house and looked around before walking forward. All of the Kaede’s had lived here since they’d taken over the estate and now the present one lay in her room resting up from what she’d gone through the last couple of days. Like the Renjiro’s, the Kaede’s took the ceremonial name of the woman in whose footsteps they were following. To see both the old and new side by side was unusual. “My Lady,” Kyoko, the retired mother said standing up and bowing deeply. Akiko, her daughter tried to stand but Kagome told her not to be silly and sat down next to the exhausted young woman. “I came to see how you were doing.” “Thank you My Lady. I just need rest now,” Akiko said wanly, her voice trailing off even as she spoke. “I understand everyone survived and that you acquitted yourself very well Lady Kagome.” “It was odd being in battle again after all these years,” Kagome said to Kyoko. “But I guess your mind and body don’t forget.” “Please give Lord Inu Yasha my regards.” “Of course. I’ll leave you to care for Akiko.” Kagome left and after heading for her house decided to take a walk alone. It had felt good to fight at Inu Yasha’s side and to see the two brothers fighting together against a common enemy instead of fighting each other was a sight she never tired of or marveled at. She was so lost in her thoughts she almost ran into Rin who was on her way to see Akiko and Kyoko. “Kagome. I see you beat me to it. How are they?” “They seem to be fine. Akiko is very weak.” “I can imagine. Where are you off to?” “I was going to take a walk. The shields should be fine.” “My Master is patrolling them now. I would wait until he finishes,” Rin said with a smile. Kagome wondered if she knew how arrogant she came across to others but how else could the child be after being with Sesshoumaru all these years Kagome thought to herself. “Then I’ll make it a short walk. See you.” Rin watched Kagome walk away, her large eyes pensive. She had given up trying to be close with Kagome years ago. They co operated, they even had times when they got along very well, but try as she might she could never forgive Kagome, or Inu Yasha for having harmed Sesshoumaru by cutting his arm off. True they’d gotten his arm back and with the aid of the jewel had reattached it but her master had been maimed for quite some time. She knew that she should let it go but hadn’t been able to and now didn’t care if she felt that way or not. Sesshoumaru never talked to her about the time he’d been hurt or the many different ways he’d tried to get an arm that would give him the ability to function normally. She’d watched him try and seen his frustration. At those times she and Jaken would take cover and wait until his mood changed or she would bring him flowers and sit in his lap. Even then she’d been aware that her presence and her small tokens of affection made a difference to him. Now, if she didn’t put fresh flowers in their quarters he would inquire about her health and if she were feeling all right. He would never admit he missed the flowers she smiled to herself as she resumed her walk. Rin didn’t like that Kagome was now working closely with Sesshoumaru but there was nothing she could do about it. Every morning Sesshoumaru would leave their bed and go sit with Kagome and Inu Yasha. True he still told her everything but that wasn’t the point.  Sesshoumaru wasn’t a big talker, he did things he felt needed to be done Rin thought to herself. If it wasn’t for his calm and practical approach to things that idiot Inu Yasha would’ve been dead a long time ago from what she could see of him. Sesshoumaru had curbed Inu Yasha’s brash ways and even he now thought about things before rushing headlong into trouble. And Sesshoumaru had made his hanyou brother the second most powerful demon in Japan. “Kagome should be nicer to me than she is,” Rin said out loud as she neared the compound of the Miko’s. “Everything she has is because of my Master and she still acts as if she’s better than us.” Rin had been so deep in thought she hadn’t realized her approach had been announced so she was surprised to see Kyoko waiting for her. “Lady Rin,” Kyoko said falling to her knees and bowing deeply. Rin suppressed a giggle and the urge to tell the woman to get up and waited until the greeting was over. Rin had no idea that Sesshoumaru had made it clear that anyone who did not greet Rin as was fitting the mate of the TaiYoukai, demon or human, would not be long for this world. “Kyoko. How is Akiko?” “She is fine Lady Rin. She is sitting up waiting for you.” Akiko had struggled to a sitting position and did the best she could to bow to Rin. For her part Rin was shocked at the young woman’s appearance. Dark circles surrounded her eyes and her skin was as pale as rice powder. “Have you been able to eat?” Rin asked standing next to her bed. Rin was small and when she sat down she almost disappeared from view so she always stood. “I have had some soup Lady Rin. I just need rest.” Rin smiled and stroked Akiko’s head. “Feel better. I will make sure you get the rest you need. Can no one else assume your duties?” “I am Lady Rin,” Kyoko said, head bowed. “But you are here…” “Akiko is going to go back to sleep. One of the trainees will be here to monitor her.” For her part Akiko had felt a strength giving warmth go through her body and she felt better than she had before Lady Rinhad come. Akiko was staring at Rin wondering if she knew what she had done. Rin turned and faced Akiko giving her a smile. “You have a little color in your cheeks Akiko. Whatever you ate last must’ve helped.” Rin’s voice still had a bit of the little girl in it and when she was happy she sounded more like a child than ever. “I’m glad to see that. I must go, but I’ll be back to see you as soon as I can.” When Kyoko came back she saw Akiko staring at the door she’d just come through. “What is it Akiko?” “Do you know she has healing in her hands?” Kyoko, alarmed, sat down next to Akiko. “You feel better?” “Much better. You knew didn’t you?” “We all know. If you notice the Lady doesn’t touch too many people, especially sick people.” “Do you think the sorcery the TaiYoukai used to extend her life imparted something to her?” “Enhanced it maybe. Lady Kagomewas born a miko and her powers have increased. The Lady Rinto my knowledge had no special power other than to enchant the TaiYoukai which is no small feat. But over the years I have heard Hana say that the Lady Rinis a powerful healer, one of the most powerful one’s here. I never saw any evidence of it until now. You’re almost glowing.” “I’m still a little tired but my reserves are building up just fine.” “Take your nap. I will go see what is happening with our shields.” Akiko lay down and closed her eyes and Kyoko let the pleasant façade drop. She knew Sesshoumaru knew every conversation that took place in his home and she wondered if the Great Demon would be concerned that the young Akiko knew about his mate’s power. There was a ripple in the shield and Kyoko felt dizzy for a few seconds. The cause had to be benign since no alert was sounded. The Lady Rinwas not a healer in the strictest sense. She had never been trained in the role, duties and mind set of a healer. She was the mate of the Great Demon, no more, no less Kyoko told herself.   As he shrugged on the jacket to his suit a hint of a frown pulled Sesshoumaru’s mouth down. Rin had given strength back to Akiko and the young Miko had realized the source of her healing. He would have to talk to her later. Right now Taisho and his vassal were arriving. He hoped Sei had prepared Misa so that she was presentable. Rin walked in just as he was leaving and he bent down to kiss her. “They’re here?” “Yes.” “I hope all goes well Sesshoumaru-sama.” He kissed her again and straightened his jacket before turning and walking away from her. Rin loved seeing him in a Western style suit. They flattered his body she thought to herself as she headed for her study. She was reading a book on feudal Japanthat amused her. The idiot who wrote the book had so much wrong. The poor had been numerous and lived in squalor and constant terror Rin thought as she settled into the pillows she used for seating in this her private space. She wondered if her son Akihiro knew this jerk that saw that time as a time of glory for the country as she settled in for her read. She’d have to ask him the next time she saw him.   OgataKaiicould think of a million places to be instead of where he was now. He’d missed a night of clubbing to come see his father grovel at the feet of the TaiYoukaiSesshoumaru. For the last two weeks that had been all his parents had talked about and how wonderful it was that their loyal service was being repaid. That he was the basis for the joy his parents felt hadn’t occurred to him at all. They had bullied him into a suit, no tie, but his hair they’d left alone. He looked up at his father who was walking ahead of him with Lord Taisho. Both men wore formal Western attire, suits, custom made by the best demon tailors in Hong Kong for Lord Taisho, locally made for his father and wondered what they were smiling about. His musings were cut short when they entered a rather large room furnished in Western style. There were three beings in the room but the only being that mattered was the elegant being facing the door. Lord Sesshoumaru fixed indifferent eyes on the Ogata’s as his son, Lord Taisho, took a seat next to him. “My Lord, these are the Ogata’s, Junichiro and his son Kaii. They have been loyal to our family for many years now.” Sesshoumaru had been looking at his son while he spoke and now turned back to face the Ogata’s who were kneeling in front of the two Demon Lords. “Lord Taisho speaks highly of you Ogata,” Sesshoumaru said in his formal voice. “My brother tells me you have done your duty to us as well,” Sesshoumaru continued acknowledging that the Ogata’s paid their tithe on time every year without complaint. Kaii couldn’t believe the similarities between Lord Sesshoumaruand Lord Taisho. Both had long hair, Lord Taisho’s had more silver in it than his fathers, and both bore youkai markings on their face as well as the waning crescent moon on their foreheads. Lord Sesshoumaru’s long tapered fingers ended in claws sharp enough to kill with one slash. Lord Taisho’s hands and claws were not as long but his claws were just as sharp Kaii thought to himself. “It is because of your long service that your request to foster your son here is being granted. He will work with my other brother Yuu in service to myself and Lord Inu Yasha.” Kaii met the eyes of the demon sitting behind Sesshoumaru who had been watching him all along. This demon did not have white hair, amber eyes or bear the crescent on his forehead yet Lord Sesshoumaruhad called him brother. Yuu’s eyes were appraising more than cold and Kaii met his eyes with a similar attitude. Both were in their early twenties in demon years but in human years they were over a hundred years old. As Kaii went to turn his attention back to the Great Demon he noticed the third person in the room and he felt his heart skip a beat as he looked at the most beautiful female he’d ever seen in his life. Her long dark hair fell softly as far as his eye could see framing her delicate features that equaled none other than the Great Demon’s. This must be a sister or a daughter Kaii thought to himself, the words being spoken between the TaiYoukai and his father fading into mere background noise as the young woman gave him a tentative smile. The three adult demons, seeing their plan had worked, nodded to each other in silent appreciation of a job well done. Sesshoumaru stood indicating that the meeting was over. Taisho told his father that the senior Ogata would be returning with him to the East and Sesshoumaru met his son’s eyes. “You have done well,” he said before turning and leaving the room. Taisho knew he could get no higher complement from his sire. Lord Taishoand OgataJunichiroleft and the three younger demons immediately let their breaths out. Misa, speechless and shy for the first time in her life stood back as her brother and this newcomer began to introduce themselves. It was only when Kaii asked Yuu who the girl was that Yuu, having no clue as to why Misa had been told to come to the meeting, introduced her. “This is my sister, HigaMisa.” Kaii walked over to Misa and bowed deeply. “I need to get to know you.” “Then you must follow the customs of our kind,” she said softly. “My father is dead but my mother is alive.” With that Misa turned and left, ignoring the imploring of several males for her company and heading straight to her mother. “Mother!!!” Sei, shocked at hearing Misa call her like the child she once was cut her business call short and ran out to greet her daughter. “Misa. What is wrong?” “Mother, I’ve met the man I’m going to marry.” “Marry? You’re a child…” “I want to marry him. He’s a new foundling here, son of a demon allied with Lord Taisho. His name is OgataKaii, and he is just…oh mother he’s going to hear such bad things about me!!! I’ve been such an idiot since I got here.” Misa broke down in tears and Sei held her. “He is a demon? A full demon?” “Yes, a dog demon like us. He has to like me!” “Don’t worry. You’re beautiful and I’m sure he’ll like you. Just take it slow with him. Let him know you’re serious about him. Of course this is after he comes here.” “I told him he had to follow tradition.” “Good. That’s the first thing you’ve done that makes sense.”   Naoki took his headphones off and turned off his iPod before taking off his shoes and walking inside his realm. Dust motes danced in the late winter sunlight that streamed through the windows. You would almost get the impression that this place was for martial arts it looked so serene at first glance but that art was taught in another part of the compound. This was the world of weaponry, of swords, guns and various other implements of death that could be wielded by human and demon alike. Demons like Sesshoumaru and Inu Yasha relied heavily on their natural attributes and power but even they had taken lessons in the use of modern weapons. Inu Yasha was a better shot than Sesshoumaru which drove the TaiYoukai crazy but both of them were master swordsmen, Inu Yasha having finally realized he could use some lessons in how to handle a sword other than to utilize the Tesssaiga like a bludgeon. Sesshoumaru never used his Tensaiga in any shape form or fashion but practiced with his other sword Toukijin. These thoughts ran through his head as he walked by the sword case, his eyes lovingly caressing each one displayed there. There was one case he always stopped to look at and it contained no weapons recognizable by modern beings. One of the items in it was a staff, a long piece of wood topped with a brass ring that held several other rings which gave off a bell like sound if the staff was used. The other, and this was the cause of the massive size of the case, was a boomerang. It bore various breaks, nicks and cracks that gave testimony to its having been used in hostile situations. The case also contained a robe that was much worse for wear and next to it the chaps, top and armor of a feudal era Taijiya, an Exterminator. Stopping in front of the small shrine located directly in front of the case HigurashiNaokilit several sticks of incense and closed his eyes as the smoke wafted up and over the case. He always thought of Sango first, what she had suffered after losing her daughter to the fanatics that had taken over the remnants of the Exterminators and how she and Miroku had fought through their grief and raised four children under the protection of Inu Yasha. Sesshoumaru’s protection had come reluctantly but had never waned and never one to let a chance for one-upmanship pass Sesshoumaru had recognized the families talent with weapons and made him and all the males in his line his weapons master’s.  That HigurashiHideosired their line made them Higurashi’s. Hideo had married Sango and Miroku’s first daughter, Namie after the death of HigaAmayawho had not given him any children. Namie had given him three sons and two daughters. HigurashiAikohad not wanted any children by her husband HigaHoshikoand while still married to him she’d had children for Namie’s brother Naoya. Both Aiko and Hideo were still alive and only married into the line when the demon strain got too weak. Although both Higurashi’s were very much into running the family’s security business and now took lovers as they felt like it neither one of them had children outside of the line’s they’d sired with Namie and Naoya. The children born of that line were free to marry who they wanted within reason and most of them married humans or hanyou who were fostered by either Inu Yasha or Lord Sesshoumaru. Naoki was involved with a young canine hanyou Jun who had been fostered by Inu Yasha and Kagome. Nanoko, his sister, lived in Californiaand basically stayed away from the family. Both of them Naoki and Nanoko, could claim Hideo as their father. Their mother, Mae, lived in the compound but was talking about moving back to the mountainous area where Sango and Miroku had lived. Inu Yasha had not said no to her proposition. Naoki heard footsteps, two people were approaching, and he looked up as they entered the small house. Lord Sesshoumaruhad told him yesterday that his brother Yuu would be coming to learn from him and that a second demon would be with him. Naoki had never laid eyes on Yuu before but knew who he was right away by the long thin build of the young demon. The second male didn’t flinch under the weapons master’s gaze and in fact seemed surprised. Yuu bowed in respect and Kaii followed suit although the puzzled expression didn’t leave his face. “Is there a problem Ogata?” Naoki asked stepping away from the shrine. “No sir, I just expected someone older and more experienced.” Yuu saw the color change in Naoki’s eyes, he had the light gold brown eyes that ran in the more human side of the Higurashi family, and knew Kaii was not starting out on the right foot. “What do you consider experience Ogata?” Naoki asked calmly. From his observations and gossip Yuu had learned that Inu Yasha was about as subtle as a two ton truck when angry and he had expected that in the Demon Lord’s grandson but what he got was a dose of his brother Sesshoumaru’s snotty attitude in both the tone of voice and the stance Naoki took. “I didn’t mean to insult you Sensei,” Kaii said recovering quickly. “I just meant that in my head I saw a graybeard not someone close to my age.” “With no experience,” Naoki said moving away from the shrine where he had just lit incense to his ancestors. “I am HigurashiNaoki, and I am the weapons master for Lords Inu Yasha and Sesshoumaru. Leave your will, and all you think you know, outside the door. You are not proficient with a weapon until I say you are. The sun is out. Let’s go to the firing range.” “But…” Naoki raised an eyebrow and looked at Kaii. “Yes?” “I’ve never fired a gun.” Naoki’s eyes narrowed and he gave Kaii the once over. “A demon of your experience I would think had fired a gun at least once. Come, let’s see how good you really are.” With that Naoki turned and headed for a basement level leaving Kaii and Yuu no choice but to follow him.