Blue Bird {Chapters Thirteen - Twenty Five}

 Chapter 13

Satomi woke up slowly with a long stretch. Reaching out, she felt no one there. Remembering last night, her eyes opened more abruptly as she sat up quickly nearly tossing herself off of the bed. Looking around frantically, she realized she was still in the same spot and even clothed as she pulled slightly at the collar of the yukata. She swore if this was another dream, she would just off herself now from the stupidity of it all. Sighing exasperated, she thought she may as well face the day again.

Glancing at the bed though, she knew it wasn't a dream. The place where his poison claws burned through the bedding was very much there. Her face reddening, she had to go to the window to breathe in the cool, salty breeze. Suddenly, small memories from last night came back to her. The way his amber eyes possessed her and demanded she bare herself to him. He didn't say much, but from what he did it wasn't a bad thing that happened… was it? The way his body almost seemed unsure as hers did at times. However, he recovered more quickly than she did it seemed. Hadn't a demon who loved for hundreds of years ever taken a mate or bedded a woman? The thought made her blush even more. Was she his first?

Fidgeting around the room, she paced and tripped over a small tatami mat. Kicking it as she continued her rampage, she started changing and suddenly her fingers slipped from the ties more than she dared to count. Groaning in annoyance, she just sat on the bed with an untied yukata. Holding it together with her hands, she saw the mirror on the wall in front of her. Curious, she stood up and walked to it and slowly drew back the garb so she could see any difference.

No marks, no bruising despite their speed. His mouth should have made a mark considering his… well… excitement. Looking closer at her neck and thighs, she wondered if this was a plus of being more than human now. Giving an approving look, she tried the obi tying once more and succeeded. Somehow, she seemed more confident, despite the moment of awkward this morning. Looking at herself from the side and to the back, she smiled coyly. He'd be sorry for going so early this morning, she was now a virginless, husbandless woman after all. Goddess, she corrected herself before walking out of the door with a bounce to her step swaying her hips as she went.

As she walked into Rin's room, she saw Rin getting ready. Her body was growing into a young woman and Satomi was so proud of her. Surviving and even living amongst demons and humans alike like it was the most normal thing to do. Somehow, she knew this village would feel like home. Perhaps staying here for a short time would be a nice break from the chaos that was going to erupt soon.

Rin seemed unphased by her Satomi entering, just smiled gleefully. She was so much more awake than normal. Usually she wasn't a morning person, as Rin wasn't either. Satomi's face was so much brighter and had a healthy pink in her cheeks today than most days. Perhaps it was the sleep. Finishing tying her obi, she noticed they were wearing similar patterns. Diagonal strips with water lily flowers weaving through them. Rin's were green while Satomi's were blue.

"Did you sleep well, Satomi? You look better," she asked walking up to Satomi and giving her a hug. "I was really worried." Rin couldn't explain the connection, but the idea of losing her was painful. Especially when Rin was learning new things and experiencing a life even more exciting than before. Hard to believe how many years had passed since Sesshomaru saved her from the wolves.

"I, um…," Satomi started as her face blushed more. "I slept well thank you. Last night took a lot out of me with the ceremony. Hard to believe what happened actually."

"Maori told me you're a goddess now! You look the same, but different too," Rin said looking at Satomi even closer in the face. Resting her head on Satomi's shoulder, she sighed. "I'm glad you're the same though. That you didn't forget me."

"I could never," Satomi said patting her head. "You're very important to me, and I promised to protect you no matter what. Even if I lost my memory, I could never forget fully. It's not possible. You'll be the most protected human with Sesshomaru and I there to make sure of it. Jiro and his armies couldn't reach you now that we know what and who they are." Taking a hold of Rin's arms, she stepped away slightly and glanced at her.

"You're becoming a fine young lady. I'm curious, have you bled yet? As your body changes it may happen sooner than we know it." Rin's face flushed but shook her head. She had heard about women going through changes, and what that entailed. However, the idea of bleeding from her own body was a little weird. "Well, if you need anything please let me know. Sesshomaru will have the beat the boys off of you with sticks, and I would rather do the honors."

Satomi winked as Rin laughed at the mental sight. "No, he'd just kill them I think."

"Oh, you're right. So it'll be our lady to lady secret." Bringing a finger to her lips, she smiled under it and Rin did the same. "Let's brush your hair, shall we?"

The morning routine was relaxing. Satomi felt more like a mother than a sister and the thought didn't upset her in the least. The possibility was there since Sesshomaru did release inside of her, but then she had heard human and demon children were rare. But what about demon and god children. The thought made her pause for a moment before brushing through Rin's hair once more. Perhaps it wasn't possible. Smiling through the thought, even though it made her sad, maybe it was for the best. Unless it took years to defeat Jiro, she was now on a limited time frame on this land.

Braiding a piece of Rin's hair that was normally to the side, she tied it with a green ribbon and they both carried on out of the room to hunt down some food. As they left the room, they both saw Sesshomaru walking down the hall with a rather grim look.

"Lord Sesshomaru," Rin called out happily as she put the braid in front of his vision. "Satomi did my hair today, isn't it pretty?"

"Hm…," he said with a small nod as he looked to Satomi. His face remained stoic while hers blushed again. She swore she saw a smirk appear and, as quickly, disappear. Stupid demon. "We have been asked to stay for a few days while he summons the demon generals from the region. The Western lands await the command and the East is also organizing. We shall visit the East next after the events here are done. Then to the West before we go North."

North to Jiro. The evil presence she felt last night, if it could be felt here then there was no telling what they'd run into. "Not that I mind staying, but is there a particular need?"

"He would like for you to say a few words, as the goddess, since this festival is seen as a good omen with your appearance." His face turned bitter, as if he didn't think it was necessary either. "I told him to think of your condition, but… he is stubborn."

Was he worried? She was touched he would think so much of her, but she shook her head. "I said I'd do anything. If a little war meeting is to happen then so be it. I can make a few words 'as a goddess'." Smiling, she wanted to touch his face. Hell, his whole body but she would settle for now. "Thank you for thinking of me, but I can handle this." Resisting the urge to reach out, she loosely balled her fists at her sides.

Rin looked back and forth, they seemed different. Sesshomaru was a kind demon despite his cold behavior at times, but there was something else stirring around now. Emotionally, she felt the shift. "Should we find breakfast, Satomi?" Rin offered as her stomach growled. She would have to research and pry more later.

"Oh, yes, we should!" Satomi said being snapped out of her thoughts of last night as they both walked together, leaving Sesshomaru to wander back down the hall.

He wasn't prepared to have her endure much more than protecting Rin. Now, Satomi was the reassurance of the victory they sought. His own strength was enough, but there was not much to tell about what was beyond. A fully prepared army was better than nothing at all. Satomi was now more than human, able to protect herself and Rin, but at the head of the battle? He was the most upset with himself. Was he still not strong enough despite surpassing his father? The shame would be too great. A woman protecting him? The shame was enough to kill.

Growing angry, he could feel his control slipping as the poison in his claws felt warm. She was his to protect now, his woman. If he couldn't do that much, he didn't deserve to be a demon lord of the West. Last night, he realized that she was more to him than just a tool to use for protecting Rin. She was the woman who smiled her way into the piece of his heart he thought he had iced over centuries ago when his father took a human woman as his own.

Satomi was stubborn and bullheaded and yet kind hearted and considerate. Her way of showing Rin the ways of humans warmed his heart although it also tore him apart. Rin may not always be there for him to look after in the future, but at least Satomi was there to help where he felt awkward. He didn't plan on being like a father to her, but there they were. However, Satomi never tried to force her to make any choice. If anything, she almost seemed to encourage this way of life. Living and accepting both sides.

The fact she was Rin's sister would have to come out sooner or later. He would not involve himself, but Rin took to her like family and he could tell she was confused by it. The similar looks now that Rin was maturing more and more was too much to be a coincidence. Rin played oblivious at times, but he knew she was actually very observant for a human. Perhaps it was her travels with him that made her that way. In either case, it would surface somehow and it could go very well or very badly.

Sighing, he felt exhausted already as he decided he needed some air. Disappearing, he reappeared at the place where they arrived. The view was calming to him as he glanced at the sea. He could sense Inu-Yasha and Kagome still in the town, as he could feel Satomi's presence with Rin's near them. However, even with the scenery and calming breeze, he just couldn't find peace with it. Flying towards the forest, he decided it was time to train with Bakusaiga for a time.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"Kagome!" Rin called out as they found Inu-Yasha and Kagome eating on a bench on a side of the walkway in town. Waving as they approached, Satomi could feel Sesshomaru's presence going away from the castle. Deciding it was probably nothing, she smiled as they approached. Rin ran ahead slightly so she could hug the priestess. "I was hoping we'd find you."

"Well, of course. It's good to see you both looking well," Kagome said while looking at Satomi curiously. "The energy influx last night makes sense now. I've never seen an energy like that before."

Inu-Yasha stood up with almost a 'hair on end' stance. Sniffing the air, he stepped towards Satomi and took another sniff.

"Sit boy!" Kagome yelled. "How rude sniffing a lady like that! Especially in front of your wife I may add."

"Woman, I swear you do this to kill me. I was curious on the smell. It's sure as hell not demon and not human either," he said as he was finally able to lift his head up.

"Well," Satomi said as she didn't know if she should be in the middle of this. With an awkward smile, she thought she'd give it a go. "I'm a goddess. Literally."

"WHAT?!" Getting shocked looks from Inu-Yasha and Kagome, she looked around before deciding sitting down would probably be best. Explaining what happened, she kept seeing Inu-Yasha's eyes narrowing at her. When she was done, she noticed it wasn't stopping. "I don't mean to be rude, but is there something wrong?"

"You smell like Sesshomaru too," he said pointedly as he leaned in before quickly backing away from a glare his wife provided.

Satomi's face was pure red as Kagome's eyes widened and smiled. "I told you, Inu-Yasha! Oh, wow! I knew it," Kagome said with victory written all over her face. Rin's face was confused before she started putting the pieces together.

"Are you and Lord Sesshomaru a couple like Kagome and Inu-Yasha?" Rin asked pointedly, and Satomi's face was already as red as could be as she covered her cheeks with her hands.

"I don't know, things just happened and now we're… I don't know," was all she could say. It wasn't like they discussed their future. There wouldn't be much of one anyway at the end of this war. Right now she hated how a dog demon's sense of smell was so strong.

Satomi could practically see the stars in Rin's and Kagome's eyes. Inu-Yasha just looked confused. The red in her cheeks brightened as she looked for any form of escape. However, Rin locked hands with her and went in front of her where the sparkles were now radiating everywhere it seemed. "We can be a family now!" Oh, the child still had no idea just how much family they were. "I knew you two were meant to be. I mean you are the most powerful woman and he's the most powerful demon! Or rather most powerful goddess," Rin continued on, the most powerful goddess was a long shot, but she got the idea of it anyway.

"This is Sesshomaru we're talking about here," Inu-Yasha chimmed in with a disbelief. "SESSHOMARU! That guy with anyone is beyond belief, let alone with a woman who was human, even if she is powerful."

"Inu-Yasha!" Kagome scolded him. "Don't be so rude. How insensitive can you be? I think it's wonderful he's warming up to someone. There's only so much quest for power someone can do before they need more in their life, am I right?"

Satomi listened to their banter before Kagome cleared her throat to change the subject. "Well, Satomi, how long are you staying here for?"

"Just until the war meeting, I suppose. They want Sesshomaru and I to stay to say a few words to the generals before we head to the East to secure the generals there. Then back West before we head to the North once and for all. That's the plan anyway," she said with a sigh before leaning back against the building. "The festival is continuing as well, and I really miss things like this. Now I have company to enjoy it with."

"That's true. We would love to stay as well, but we will probably head back in a day or two. There are herbs I need to collect because they only grow in this region around this time of year, and they help with a ton of ailments. You should find us when you go West again. We want to help if we can," Kagome said putting a hand on Satomi's shoulder.

Nodding her head in thanks, Satomi never knew what this type of friendship was before. Friends were a luxury she couldn't afford back then. Family was something to forget about, but now she had both. Truly this life was cruel and yet so wonderful.

As Inu-Yasha and Kagome got up to leave, Rin was quiet for a moment before tilting her head. Satomi's eyes started to water enough to look like she could cry despite the smile on her face. "Are you okay?"

"I'm just grateful," Satomi said before wiping away the tears as they fell. But they wouldn't stop. How could she tell Rin she traded her life so this world could be rid of the evil and Rin would be forever protected when she was gone. "I was so alone for so long. Now, I have you, Kagome, Inu-Yasha, Sango, Miroku, and… Sesshomaru. All of you made my lonely life mean so much more."

"You make our lives better too though." Rin reached out to hug Satomi and just let Satomi cry it out there on the quiet street bench. "You've made my life more fun and you've taught me so much. You make Lord Sesshomaru happy, even if he doesn't show it. I don't know how long you've been together, but I know it'll work out. He's a good demon and you're a wonderful person."

Hearing her words brought peace to her troubled mind. If Rin said it, she didn't just say things to be funny. Hugging her tighter, Rin just smiled. They stayed like that for countless minutes before Satomi had to laugh at herself for being so emotional. "You know what, we're going to have so much fun at the festival tonight that we're going to sleep for days! Singing, dancing, and food all night!"

Rin laughed as they walked down the street and talked about the ways this place was different from the West and all the things that happened at festivals.

XXXXXXXXX

Sesshomaru was working on his technique with Bakusaiga when he felt Inu-Yasha's presence. Narrowing his eyes, he swung the sword in the direction knowing full well the idiot wouldn't die today. Although he may be tempted by the end of the conversation he had a feeling they'd have. As he expected Inu-Yasha dodged it and landed a safe distance in front of him.

"That's how you greet me? I shouldn't be surprised. Seems you're going through a stressful time. Puberty perhaps? Never even thought you'd be interested in anything other than your power trip," Inu-Yasha teased before dodging another blast from Bakusaiga.

"Watch yourself, little brother," Sesshomaru said pointedly as he lowered Bakusaiga and sheathed it.

"For all the crap you have about father loving a human, even if Satomi is something different now, don't you think you're being a little back and forth here? Not that I'm complaining exactly about you not being such an arrogant ass." Leaning against a tree, he folded his arms into his robe of the fire rat sleeves. "Do you love her?"

Sesshomaru's eyes widened but said nothing. He didn't know what it meant to. A physical relation didn't mean love. He knew that much, but what it exactly entailed was still beyond him. Their father had mentioned wanting to protect something. He wanted to protect her, but did that mean love?

"You don't even know, do you?" Inu-Yasha realized as he saw his brother confused for the first time in his life.

"How do you define loving your woman?" As much as he didn't want to ask, he couldn't help but want something to base it off of. Inu-Yasha's opinion would be far from reliable in his view, but then again… he had to admit his half demon half human nature helped him in this department.

"Wha…?! You're actually asking me. You must be desperate."

Sesshomaru instantly regretted his words.

"Whoa there! Don't narrow your eyes at me, I just wasn't expecting you to want to know is all." Inu-Yasha thought for a moment before he could sense Sesshomaru grow agitated. "It's not an easy answer. I like everything about her, even when we argue. I can't pin point an exact feeling, but it's an over all emotion I guess. I want to protect her, care for her, see her, and make sure she knows she's loved in return. It wasn't an instant thing of course, since there was Kikyo. However, when I knew she was the one, that was it."

"How did you know?" Sesshomaru asked looking towards a small clearing through the leaves. The sky was a pure blue, and this was the first time he felt honestly lost. Everything in his life had felt laid out before him. Surpass their father, find power to do so, challenge the strong. Then Rin came into his life. His mission didn't change, but the purpose behind it slowly did. Gain power to protect her. Power had it's draw backs as he realized when she had died a second time due to his arrogance. Another time wouldn't be possible to bring her back and he didn't want to imagine life without the young woman. Now, there was someone who would be able to overpower him if she so chose, she was Rin's older sister, and a human turned goddess. A complete anomaly from anything else he ever saw or encountered. How should he feel towards her now?

"It just happened. I knew I couldn't live without her. And even more, I didn't want to live without her. I know I'm a half demon who will live beyond her, but while she's here I want to live the best life I can with her. It's that simple." Inu-Yasha shrugged not really knowing how else to put it. It was the first time they really had this type of conversation.

Sesshomaru thought about that for a moment. It seemed so foreign to him, a human trait perhaps to just devote one's life to a single entity. Demon's lives were so much longer, it seemed illogical. Yet his half brother stood before him as proof that some demons didn't care about the impracticality of it all. Their own father died for the woman who wouldn't even live to see her child become a young man. However, he knew his father would do things no different. Toga lived with purpose and devoted his life to protecting the people in his realm. Sesshomaru now had that torch.

"Hm," was all Sesshomaru said as he wondered off back towards the town leaving Inu-Yasha in the forest. Inu-Yasha just shook his head and followed the general direction. Sesshomaru changed a lot during the final fight against Naraku when Kagura had passed especially. It was the first time he really saw his brother grieve for another. After the fight, he left Rin with Kagome and Kaede to grow into a normal human life, of course with some demon lord luxuries as gifts. Now, he was involved with a woman. Truly, his brother was changing and he didn't know how Sesshomaru would handle this change.

XXXXXXXXX

There were many street vendors and musicians lining the coast now as everyone seemed to enjoy the water and venture to different spots. Sitting on the sand, Rin had been gathering up shells as Satomi hummed to music that played off in the distance. If all the pain she went through would always lead up to this moment, there wasn't a thing she'd take back. Be damned her fate, this was what she always wanted. A calm day with her family on the beach. A dream that she felt couldn't possibly happen not so long ago.

"Look," Rin said as she ran up to Satomi holding a huge Conch shell that came up with the last wave. Rin's smile gleamed with pride as she set it down next to Satomi, hoping to go back for another score. The pile next to her was growing rapidly, but she was happy with that. The air was so clean and lacking malevolence despite having demons running rampant. It was strange how much her opinion had changed of demons since being around Sesshomaru, but then it only seemed natural. The harder part was to remember that not all demons were as honorable.

Her thoughts went to Sesshomaru as she wondered what he thought of their physical connection. Was it just a thing for a demon to claim someone and not think twice? Or was it meaningful for him too? Not taking it personal was impossible, but he didn't seem like the type to just take and go in this sort of situation.

Sighing in frustration of her thoughts, she just decided it will be what it will be. They obviously had some connection, and a term to define it wouldn't change anything. Perhaps nothing would happen. Perhaps everything would happen. What did it matter to think too hard now? Complicating things would only divide them, and at this point they couldn't afford to be divided. Reminding herself just to breathe, to do her duty to protect them, and everything would work out in the end… for they'd be safe.

Looking up, she saw Sesshomaru looking at them as he walked in the distance. Blushing profusely, she looked back to Rin and smiled. Standing and dusting the sand off her yukata, she tucked her hair behind her ear as the wind blew strands into her face. Looking back to Sesshomaru, he was so much closer now as he stopped beside her and looked the same direction she was before.

In silence they stood, her heart beat racing. Looking back out to Rin, she waved to them both but stayed where she was.

"Are you scared?" he asked curiously. Her heartbeat was unavoidable for him. It practically deafened his ears.

"Not scared, just nervous," she admitted sheepishly as she shifted her feet in the sand. "I've never been in this situation, so I feel a little lost."

"I see. Then I suppose we are the same." He looked to her as she glanced back at him. Her eyes widened as she realized that they were in uncharted territory for both of them.

"Then I suppose we will just have to see where this goes," she said with a smile. "The most important part of this to me is her protection. Anything else is secondary."

"Agreed."

She shook her head and laughed to herself. "She's growing to be a beautiful young lady. Soon to be a woman. That must have you nervous."

"I try not to think about it," he said as he glanced about to see a couple of young boys looking to Rin curiously. Withholding a growl, he tried to remember that killing here would not be good for diplomatic reasons.

"I'll do what I can to help. A man, let alone a demon, has limited knowledge on that of a budding woman and how to handle things delicately. You especially," she said noticing his reaction with the young boys. Laughing as he grew visibly irritated. "But it's also what makes you a little more endearing."

Rin came running up and handed Satomi another shell before bending to pick up her stash. "I found so many pretty shells. Satomi said we can make a necklace with some before we go." As Sesshomaru looked to Rin and then to Satomi, he just noted Satomi's coy grin. As the women put the shells in the conch shell, they walked around until Satomi heard a fun beat with drums and chimes. There was no singer, as they were inviting the audience. Rather strange, but she didn't see anyone approach it. Pausing, she listened as Rin tugged at her sleeve.

"Why don't you sing?"

As if hearing Rin, the person who was obviously a demon with his pointed ears and wings on his back was beckoning over to her. "Young lady, would you care to sing for our musicians? Sing what your heart desires."

Walking forward, she could feel a song forming as Rin watched intently with a smile. Sesshomaru as stoic as ever as the crowd started coming forward. The musicians nodded to her and to each other, it was almost like they were reading her mind when it came to the aura of the song. It was upbeat and fun, and the words just formed themselves as she turned to the audience and started singing as she danced around.

"Secretly carrying a light in the corner of my heart
At the mercy of the light

Enveloped in a many-layered haze, wandering around
Awakening from a fleeting dream
The trail of a single tear on my cheek
From shadows that color the blurred world

Curtain of night, flickering will-o'-the-wisps
Memories of a day long ago
Call me to the hidden realm"

Children joined her in the dance as more people joined the group. It was so freeing, unlike most of the country that was so reserved. Here, she remembered, was so much more accepting. She could see Rin rocking back and forth to the song with a smile on her face.

"Fluttering cherry blossoms dancing as they fall
Feelings that dye my heart a light pink
When I look upon your profile illuminated by the moonlight

Twinkling fragments of a wish
Shine like thousands of stars
Like the morning sun rising in the twilight of my heart
At the mercy of the light"

The song continued, and the audience was even dancing with her from time to time, when she finally finished it was this booming of cheers and clapping. Blushing, she thanked the musicians and continued walking with Sesshomaru and Rin, although slowly since everyone wished to tell her how beautiful her voice was.

Sesshomaru watched with intent. She was truly a colorful woman in many ways. His world of black and white was enhanced with Rin appearing in his life. Some color of different emotions came, but now, he felt like he was able to see true color for the first time. She was right though, when she said they'd have to see where this went. But for now, and as long as she'd have him, she was his.

In the distance, he saw a familiar sight. A young boy, now young man who helped with Rin many times in the times before.

"Kohaku!" Rin yelled in excitement as she pushed through the crowd.

Chapter 14

Kohaku smiled as he saw Rin in the crowd although he was very surprised as well. She had always ventured with Sesshomaru and yet he had heard from Sango she was in the village where she resided. Seeing Sesshomaru, he nodded respectfully as Rin was preventing him from bowing as she wrapped her arms around him. Beside Sesshomaru was a woman he could only presume was Satomi from what Sango had mentioned just a few days ago. Actually, he wished to see Sesshomaru, and Jaken had told him where to go.

The face Satomi had looked very similar to Rin's, just more mature and lady like he supposed. It was strange to see a near look alike, but that was not what he came here for. "Hi Rin. You look well," he said before she stepped back with a huge smile on her face. She was always so happy for someone who had been in and through death's door more times than he could bare it.

"I am, thank you. Satomi has been with us and watching out for me, and Lord Sesshomaru is as protective as ever," she said with a proud grin looking at them both, marveling about how adorable they looked side by side. Even if they weren't really a couple, it was still a victory. "What are you doing here?"

"I actually came to speak to Lord Sesshomaru about matters to the North, as he asked me to some time ago," he said now looking to Sesshomaru and giving a proper bow this time. While as a demon slayer it could be deemed odd to bow to a demon, this demon had his full respect and he owed him his own life. "There is news, they're on the move heading South slowly but surely. Something about the deity or god is being mentioned over and over, although nothing clear beyond that."

He saw Satomi and Sesshomaru look to each other, Satomi seemed worried somehow. They knew something. "Yes, I suppose they would be now," Sesshomaru said clearly thinking about what kind of timeline that bumped them up to. "We should speak somewhere quieter."

Sesshomaru lead them to a small tree line outside of the town and folded his arms into his sleeves. Satomi leaned against a tree and marveled at how taken Rin was with Kohaku. Honestly, it was the most adorable thing she had ever seen. They talked about the last few months, even before Satomi came into their lives as that must have been the last time she saw him. The big and small events.

"She's a goddess?!" Kohaku said as Rin mentioned that detail nearing the end of her summary. "I've seen demons galore but never a goddess, and you look pretty… well, human."

"It's exhausting, to be put simply. I'm not exactly used to it yet," Satomi admitted with a nervous laugh as Rin finished and moved out of the way. Looking to Kohaku, she noted his young age. Hardly above Rin's age really and yet very mature and taking on a task like this from Sesshomaru. That would require an explanation later.

"About the North," Sesshomaru started determined to get an answer. "Forces? Numbers?"

"Right now, it's just rogue demons that want a blood bath without much strategy. I've disposed of them on my way when I run into them, however I'm sure there's more. As for numbers, the main force centered around the far north by a mountain. The grunts are few in numbers, but enough to cause chaos if left unchecked. Obviously, a way to distract and thin us out from the main force as I'm sure they gather more numbers. From what I've heard the force is particularly ruthless."

"They want me," Satomi realized as she could see why they would unleash chaos without a strategic fight first. "If they can kill me off right away, they have less to worry about. My presence here is an upset for them, even more so than the remain regions uniting in battle. I'm the wild card they didn't count on. So, by causing chaos, they're probably trying to bring us out of what we're trying to do."

"That would make sense. Sango told me you were smart," Kohaku agreed as Sesshomaru didn't like the idea, but it would be something he would do if desperate. However, he didn't sense desperation, just a desire to cause the most harm. He would have to remain on guard, someone just causing chaos because he wanted to was far more dangerous than an honorable demon with a war path. At one point, he could have maybe seen the joy of the kill. Sometimes he still did. However, to do it dishonorably was something he could not bring himself to do.

The mention of Sango surprised her, but then she realized there was a connection. They certainly did bring about the same energy, looks, and the demon slayer garb was another sign. But as she thought about it, despite the serious topic, she hoped he would be her little brother in law one day. He was just so polite and adorable. Bringing herself back to the topic on hand, she shook her head and blushed a slight red.

"We will be making our way East after we are done here, then back to the West. I'm sure we will run into him before then though," Sesshomaru admitted, their adversary didn't seem to be the one to wait around and let everyone else do the work for him.

"I sensed his presence before I fell asleep last night, right after the ceremony. It was pure evil, even more so than Naraku, but more direct. Naraku enjoyed his games, Jiro is much more direct in what he wants. He wants to win, that's it. How he does is hardly a thought, it seems. His thoughts were directed at me," she thought with a shiver as she remembered the feeling that washed over her. As if someone was just behind her with a knife to her back. "There was no hesitation. Just a sea of blood red hatred."

"And you failed to mention this," Sesshomaru said with a glare towards her.

"I was a little preoccupied," she retorted back without a flinch, but just narrowed her eyes back until he realized just what she meant and sighed.

Kohaku looked with pure surprise. Rin just beamed ear to ear. Sesshomaru submitted.

After an awkward silence, Satomi cleared her throat. "We are simply waiting for the generals of the South to finish making their way here. Don't tell me you're leaving right away though? All this way just for a report." The mother voice was in affect as Kohaku didn't know what to say. It was like talking to his own sister, did he really even have a choice?

"I could stay, but I really should…"

"No, you are hardly older than Rin, you need to enjoy being young too. A war is coming no matter what we do. The least you can do is enjoy yourself for an evening," she said without any room for argument. "And don't get me started on you hiring a child to help your spy missions." Pointing a finger to Sesshomaru, you could tell he was surprised. But then he smirked and let out the slightest retained laugh in a 'hmph'.

"Uh, really, ma'am, it's okay," Kohaku said shyly as he tried to look presentable and stand up straight. "I'm a demon slayer, and recon is part of the deal. Sesshomaru is actually quite the help for training in different situations. Spying is just part of the deal, and the occasional putting out the fire while the fire is small situations too. It's no bother to me, really and I'm hardly alone."

Just then the cutest small creature came out of the forest. Tan with black markings and two tails with large red eyes. Jumping to Kohaku's shoulder, Kilala landed with a 'mew' and rubbed her face along his cheek. "Stop it Kilala, you're fine," he said with a laugh before Kilala jumped to Satomi's shoulder.

"Oh, how cute," Satomi gushed over the large red eyes. Such an old soul for such a little demon. As Satomi touched her fur, she could sense years of dedication to the demon slayer tribe. She also saw glances of her journey with Midoriko, Inu-Yasha's group, and Kohaku. They were few, but she could tell this demon was strong and loved her human and demon companions. "You have many stories behind those eyes, I see." Kilala's head just tilted to the side and another 'mew' followed. "So, is this your companion?"

"Yes, this is Kilala. She was my sister's companion until she settled down with Miroku, so I was given her to help while I continue my training. My family has been protected and fought with her for many years."

"Fight?" she questioned curiously. Kilala then jumped off and with a quick flash of fire transformed into her larger, more formidable form. Satomi looked in wonder as she reached out. Kilala accepted her affection as Satomi scratched under her chin resulting in Kilala's eyes to shut and give a solid pur. "Well, you are a good demon friend, aren't you? I wish Ah-Un was this fuzzy and adorable sometimes."

Sesshomaru cleared his throat and she looked back sheepishly. Did she offend him somehow? The look on his face was strange, was he jealous…? Jealous she gave a demon cat affection over him? Well, he was a dog after all. Kilala transformed back with another flash of fire and sat next to Kohaku in waiting. "We should go back soon. You should rest before we continue on. You may not feel it yet, but I'm sure you will feel that your energy will run out sooner given your recent change. I can already tell your not as energetic as usual, or it could be that day light is not helping. We're in uncharted territory until we know more," Sesshomaru said as he uncrossed his arms and stepped towards Satomi.

Was this man always so demanding and attractive when he walked with purpose? Well, he did now. Almost wanting to step back to get her breath back, she decided against it. However, she didn't quite like how he thought he knew everything. Putting a few things on official terms sounded good right about now to put the dog demon in his place.

"It could very well be that I didn't get any sleep, I've been walking around since this morning and we are getting involved in a war. Why else would I not be my normal energetic self, well I'll tell you why. It could also be because now I'm not even fully human but renting a god's powers and thus became the god of the moon. However, I refuse to let it run my life. If I don't test the limits, there's no way I'll learn. We are in uncharted territory, but here we are. A powerful demon lord of the west and a human goddess trying to win a war when we hardly know anything about the demon trying to start it." Sighing in frustration, she turned on her heel with Kohaku and Rin looking to her with surprise and wonder. "I'm heading back. I presume you have business to attend to while we're here and I don't intend on wasting a trip on pure business to the most beautiful locations she now knew. Her life was already limited, there wasn't any time to waste now.

Sesshomaru stopped dead in his tracks. That was unexpected, but she did have a point, not that he cared to admit that. He knew probably less than she did, but he didn't want her hurt by pushing herself. She would push the limits, and that meant trouble for him. Why did this woman have to be so stubborn?

Turning around, he headed towards the coast to clear his head. Rin and Kohaku were left to shrug at each other. "I think they're together, and then that happens. I've never seen anyone argue with him before though," Rin said curiously as she looked in both directions.

"I don't think he'd tolerate it if they weren't together," Kohaku said as they both nodded before heading back to the town. "We should probably stay close to Satomi though if that's the case of her changing. You never know with this kind of thing if she'll need some help, right?"

"You're right. She's the type to push herself to the point of being hurt just to protect us. I treasure her here though, so I'd rather not lose her and I'm sure Sesshomaru would be sad if she left us," Rin said smiling sadly to the ground.

"It was strange to see him sad when you died that time in the underworld. He comes off as a cold-hearted demon, but he's kinder than most would think. You're very lucky to have two people who are willing to protect you like that," he said as he put a hand on her shoulder as they walked. "I'd protect you too, Rin."

Rin blushed a bright red. So many people willing to protect her and have protected her. "The whole reason that they are after Satomi is because of me. When they went after Lord Sesshomaru, they were after me to use as leverage. When she protected me and could get through the barrier when he couldn't, that's when this whole thing started. She was a deity and now chosen to fight along side him. I feel horrible, but she acts so happy all the time. I blame myself, but she never looks at me like it's my fault."

"It's because it's not your fault, Rin. You are someone who brings people together, and somehow things work out. It'll all be okay sooner or later. You'll see."

"I hope so." Rin looked to the town and saw everyone hustling about and yet she felt so drained. Maybe that was what was bothering her for some time now, feeling to blame but now that it was out in the open, she felt relieved somehow. "Thanks, Kohaku."

"Damn that demon, now I feel dizzy," Satomi said as she reached her room. Laying down, she felt like she had been up for days now. As much as she hated to admit it, he wasn't completely wrong. The daylight felt like a huge weight and the shade felt like an even bigger relief than when she was human. It was humid, but not insanely so and this type of weather used to feel so nice. Now, she craved the night and the moonlight it provided.

Yelling at him didn't help matters, but it felt good at the time. There had been so much that happened in such a short amount of time that she felt overwhelmed. Turned goddess, slept with Sesshomaru, realized they may never actually be a real couple, and had their first argument and the sun hadn't even set yet on the first day. Her life ended up always being so complicated that this was just another piece of the puzzle.

Falling asleep, she almost felt she could see Sesshomaru in her dreams. For once, it wasn't sexual, just him looking over the sea with a deep in thought look to him. Then there was Rin who was in the courtyard of the palace talking with Kohaku as Kagome and Inu-Yasha joined them. It was peaceful and relaxing to her troubled mind. Everything seemed so real that she couldn't help but feel like she could just reach out and touch them.

"Ah, so you're advancing this far already." Hearing Tsukiyomi talk to her in the back of her mind as the scenery continued, he was just beside her now. "You can split your mind to see different things happening as your body recovers. Sesshomaru is right, you know. You can only push yourself so far for a human body."

"So, this is actually happening?" she asked as she reached forward, and her fingers turned to dust as she touched Rin on the shoulder and they came back as she moved them off.

"Yes, but only as a spectre. You're not physically here and it's more dreamlike. Your lover is worried about you, you know."

"He's not really my lover."

"I'm a god, not blind. It was pretty clear he was loving you last night."

"I meant as a long term, it wouldn't work with the situation of me dying anyway and he's kind of complicated."

"What does that matter? You can love someone for a night more than you've loved someone your whole life, it's not the time it's how you feel."

The scenery moved to Sesshomaru to the coast as he continued to stare off into the distance. Suddenly, he looked over to her, as if staring right at her. "I thought you said I'm not physically here?"

"You're not, he's just more in-tune with you than most given your activities last night. He can't see you, but he can sense your presence. He is a dog demon with impeccable senses and body as you women would put it."

"You're not helping!" Feeling annoyed, she almost wanted to snap out of her dream. But before she could Sesshomaru disappeared. Looking around, she had a feeling of where he may have gone. Appearing beside him, he was standing at the foot of her bed watching her sleep. "How long as he been watching me?"

"Well, in terms of when you met him, almost every night he could. Even if you didn't see him for days on end, he made sure you were safe as you slept. I thought it was creepy at first, but it actually turns out he has some sort of feeling towards you. At first, he reasoned that he wanted to make sure you weren't going to try anything funny, but after watching you with Rin and with him and your changes, he began to trust you and just wanted to keep you safe. That is his duty as a dog demon, to keep his people safe. You are now part of his people."

"Idiot…" she said as Sesshomaru bent down above her sleeping form. Brushing a hair from her face, he touched her cheek tenderly. A tear started to form on her cheek as she watched him treat her so kindly. On her body, the same tear formed and he wiped it away gently. "Why didn't he tell me?"

"He's too proud. He faulted his father for dying for a human, so how could he come to admit he developed feelings for one? Now that you're a goddess, perhaps he feels less burdened. Or maybe more so, he's a little too mysterious for even me, but that's the general idea I have."

"You're still here?"

"Always, I just thought you needed the company considering. Otherwise I tend to stay quiet."

"Good to know."

Smiling, she could feel Tsukiyomi's presence slowly disappear as she too closed her eyes and let Sesshomaru watch her as she slept. Feeling this calm energy rock her to sleep, she felt so safe. He was stubborn, cold, bold, brash, and sometimes inconsiderate… but he was also protective, calm, quiet, and warm.

Opening her eyes, the sun was now setting and Sesshomaru had already gone. But she could feel where he was before, and his scent was everywhere. Smiling, she could feel her energy had returned. Stretching, she could feel her joint's release of all the sleep and stress. It was time to enjoy the evening and see what Kaito had in store for them.

Fixing her hair and clothes, she came out of the room and could sense Sesshomaru in the meeting room as before. Walking in, she could feel both demons look at her with surprise. Had her energy surprised even them, perhaps she was more tired than she thought earlier today.

"You seem refreshed," Kaito said as he smiled warmly as he stood and bowed to her politely. Sesshomaru just looked at her calmly and said nothing.

"I had a small nap. I felt very protected and relaxed, so it must have done wonders for me," she said looking at Sesshomaru pointedly. She swore if he was a blushing demon, he would have with that. However, what she did get was an averted glance to the side.

"Like a fish in water, the night suits you, goddess," Kaito said before clearing his throat. "The generals will be in tomorrow afternoon, otherwise you're welcome to enjoy the town as you wish. There are people who have heard rumors of your arrival and would love to see the goddess herself. However, it is your choice to do what you will. Sesshomaru and I were just discussing how much you need to be involved exactly, but I think it would be good for moral and he thinks it would just be a parading around using you."

"I wouldn't mind giving hope to them. With three regions uniting, I doubt I'm needed to secure a win, but if it helps then I'm okay with that. The North is rumored to be brutal and far from honorable from the sounds of it. Any form of help I can provide, I will as much as I can."

"We are in your debt, goddess."

"I don't want women to miss their men or think they're not going to come home. The war only starts at the battlefield, it never truly ends though. I want this over for them as well," she added knowing the lasting pain of war was long after the battles took place.

"Spoken wisely," he said understanding what she meant. As male demons, they thought of the battle, but a woman had the aftermath to worry about.

"In any case, I'll tour the town tonight and tomorrow as well. If they wish to approach me, then that's fine and well. I'll welcome their attention to ease their minds."

"You need not do that much," Sesshomaru urged as he narrowed his eyes. "It would be too easy for someone who is less inclined to want your help to get to you and potentially try to take your life. You are why they can go into battle confidently, and if you are hurt before that even happens, think of the drop in morale as a result."

"Then I suppose a strong demon will have to guard me more than usual," she said looking to him with a smile. "I'll be fine and the war effort will be as well. Is there anything else, my lords?"

"Nothing that can't wait for tomorrow when the generals arrive," Kaito said as he rose up along with Sesshomaru. "I'll let you do as you will this evening and if you need anything just ask."

Nodding, Satomi turned and headed out of the door as Sesshomaru followed intently. As they went further down the hall, she could feel the heat of his gaze practically burn holes down her back. "I take it you don't approve?"

"Correct. This is foolish." It was practically a growl as she stopped and faced him.

"You are a demon that does not require extra courage to fight a war he doesn't understand. There are those that are going to battle simply because they are told, they are the ones that need the motivation that the favor is on their side along with their lovers that await their return," she said stepping towards him and putting a hand on his cheek.

He leaned ever so slightly into her touch and sighed in frustration. "You're impossible," he said as he covered the hand on his cheek with his own and turned his face so he could kiss her palm. "If anyone tries to harm you, I'll kill them first."

"Now who's the impossible one?" Smiling as she watched his gentle act, he simply remained silent. "Who says I really need protecting?"

"Until we know your limits and powers, you will always be protected."

He released her hand and walked ahead of her now as she followed to the busy streets. Many met her with reservations at first as the recognized that they were not from the town originally. Sesshomaru was more noticeable, but soon they realized who she was. Children and women talked with her as the men were too afraid to directly with Sesshomaru lingering, but they watched in awe as her aura seemed to sparkle around her. Her clothes hadn't changed yet, but she could feel her power massing, as if their attention powered her.

When the evening had died down, she found herself by the shore. Watching quietly, she sang a lullaby as the waves rolled into the sand at her feet over and over and Sesshomaru watched intently. It was hauntingly beautiful, this woman in the moonlight singing as the water continued to move towards her as the moon itself commanded the seas to. This memory would linger, he had a feeling for the centuries to come in his mind.

Chapter 15

Satomi stopped singing and turned around as the light of the moon illuminated her features. Her energy had felt replenished, and she could feel her body transforming as it did before. It was not quite the full moon, one or two days away, and yet there was a surge of power flowing through her. Sesshomaru was looking at her intently, as her power started growing. She was as beautiful as she was powerful. But he was a demon and she was a goddess, a protector of man kind and he killed too many to ask for redemption. His father had protected humans, he started the opposite way.

He found himself drawn to her, finding that he stepped in front of her as she tilted her head waiting for a comment of some sort. Like the moon, she sent out this pull for those to do her bidding. Her spell was intoxicating. Her scent filled his senses, and for once, he found it hard to think about anything else but her. Reaching out to her, he touched her cheek and leaned down to her.

His lips touched hers as she melted into him. Moving with each other, she moved her hands to his armor for balance as his kiss left her dizzy and breathless. He didn't want air, it was a secondary thought compared to the woman molding into him. His hands wrapped around her to help with her balance before he parted from her. His breathing was normal while hers was rather chaotic. While she looked like the goddess, she was certainly still human. The thought made him oddly content.

"That was unexpected," she said looking at him with a deep crimson blush on her cheeks. "You must like this form."

"I don't dislike it, but I did everything else to you in human form," he reminded her as his lips went to her earlobe and bit, earning a small yip from her. She looked at him in shock, and he realized why. He was smiling.

"Well, uh… that may be true… but uh… I heard that your smiling is trouble," she stammered out shocked from both his comment and his smile. He was charming, if it wasn't so mischievous. He could have had any demon woman he wanted if he was even a few notches more charming. Oh hell, his position in the demon world would have anyone begging for him. A part of her wondered if he was just a lord of the land and she was a traveling entertainer, how that would have been for them. But then, she didn't see anything wrong with this either.

"You did? I suppose that assumption isn't wrong," he said loosening his grip on her and leaning down to her. Moving one hand to her thighs, he could feel them flinch under his touch as her gaze became wanting. "That look I'd say is even more trouble," he said heatedly on her ear as his hand found its way between her robes. Her skin was unbelievably soft as he was able to take his time. Her womanhood gave off the most intoxicating smell. She wanted him and he wanted to satisfy that need.

She gave a soft moan as his hand traveled to the apex of her thighs, the desire coiling up as she loosened her muscles to relax around him so his fingers could complete the journey. The sharpness of his claws surprised her, but they didn't hurt as he rubbed the pad of his finger tips along the opening circling around as she gripped at him to keep her balance. His other hand grabbed her lower back and kept her hips steady as his lips claimed hers forcefully. He growled into the kiss, her moans that echoed pushing him forward as he moved his finger inside of her, followed by another.

The slow rhythm didn't suit him for long before he sped up, leaving her nearly screaming with pleasure into his mouth. Her hips bucking even with his hand to steady her, he wanted her. In an instant, they were in his quarters at their host's estate. Standing before the bed, she didn't even ask what had happened before pulling him forward so the back of her knees caught the bed. His fingers came out as he tried to not fall on her, but she pulled him down with her on the bed laughing.

"You're such a demon," she commented as she put her hand to his cheek. "But you're a good demon."

"I'm hardly that," he said scoffing at the idea. He hardly did anything for good. Power was what mattered before, now while he did try to defend those he cared about, it was still new to him.

"You are, even if you'll fight tooth and nail to deny it," she said kissing him deeply before he could argue further. Her hands moved to the tie at his waist, she didn't want romance, she wanted to be satisfied. He took off his armor quickly as she finished with his ties of his hakamas. "Now, would you be a good demon and finish what you started?"

Without even thinking, he growled in acknowledgement and twisted her body around as he pulled up her dress. She was on all fours looking back at him as his erect member hit against her inner thigh. A thought crossed her mind on how much different it would feel now that she was in goddess form, but that was quickly erased as he thrusted two fingers into her. Pumping them in and out a few times, he brought them back out to coat himself. Leaving her even more wet.

"Be careful what you ask for, goddess, I won't take it easy on you," he said as a promise as before she could say anything, he pushed his head against her entry before holding her hips into place. The calm before the storm as he pushed into her slowly until he was buried into her to the hilt. Filling her, she panted from the feeling. It made her want everything he had to give her. Moving her body back onto him, he stopped her as he dug his claws just ever so slightly into her hips as his other hand went to her shoulder to bring her up to him.

Kissing her deeply, her body twisted to meet his as hand moved to her breasts, massaging the soft flesh and pinching her hard nipples before moving out of her and thrusting in as her body grew used to him again. Switching breasts, he leaned down so she would be on all fours and his chest was barely above her back. Thrusting a little faster, he could feel her body embracing him as she moaned into his movements.

"You're going to make me explode," she said between moans and suddenly he completely pushed himself into her. Giving a soft jolt and stifling a scream, she looked back to him but couldn't see his face from this angle.

"That's the thought," he said and she knew he was smiling. His voice was almost play like, something she had never heard before. Go figure, it took fucking her from behind to do it as she was a goddess. Sometimes this dog demon was just cruel.

Holding her hips tightly, he took himself almost completely out. Massaging her lower back for a moment, she could feel his penis pulsing as only the head remained inside of her. Unmoving, she relaxed as she slowly moved back to urge him inside again. Well, he took the hint.

The thrust was hard, but he didn't care and neither did she as he took her and took her hard. Over and over, he pounded into her as he felt her release over him happen again and again. After the third time, he filled her with his seed, the cum deep inside of her as her release consumed it. Her inner walls drawing him in.

Staying like that for a moment, they were both breathing heavily. He pulled out as some of his release followed. The animal in him thought it was a shame, he wanted her completely full of him and only him.

"Well, I did say for you to finish what you started," she said as she moved her body to lay down on his bed. The pooling between her legs was warm and arousing as proof of what they did. He was still on his knees before her on the bed as she moved her hand to beckon him closer. "Lay with me."

He obeyed her as she looked at him with those wicked eyes. "I want you in my bed."

"I am in your bed, my lord."

"From now on, you stubborn woman."

The comment took her by surprise, she expected the banter just not the proposal to go with it. He wanted her with him every evening. "You mean to satisfy your needs?"

"If it calls for it," he said indifferently.

"Even just to lay with you?"

"Is that so bad?" he asked looking at her face confused as she flushed a bright red.

"Well… no," she said reaching out to touch his arm. "I'm just surprised is all. And the timing with the war is probably not the best. Wouldn't want them thinking you've lost your touch." Blabbering seemed like the one thing she could do with her mind spinning.

"That won't be a problem," he said plainly as if it was as easy as taking a stroll. This demon's ego knew no bounds.

"If you say so," she said with a sigh as she closed her eyes. Not exactly tired, but she didn't want to think of the complications. Now that Rin wasn't the only human he had in his life, if they came after her it would be easier. However, now that she was a target, they knew how much the girl meant to her. Bringing them back to square one of protecting Rin to protect themselves. Dealing with demons was exhausting business.

Noticing her breath change, he looked to her as she slept. He could protect her, protect Rin, and win this war. It would just be messier than originally planned. With a sigh, he stood up and dressed. He would need some help at least. As much as he hated to admit it, his half brother was the one person he could truly trust. His wife, Kagome was also an asset to the cause. No doubt there would be injuries and her abilities could help with Satomi's as well. A priestess could help her hone in on her own powers. There was no telling what she was capable of and this could help narrow it down. He had to know what he had to work with on this field of war.

Walking into the night, he could already feel a familiar presence not far off. His half brother was practicing it seemed. Following the scent of Tessaiga, he remembered a time when he was dedicated to owning that sword. Such a long time ago it seemed like and yet it was only a few short years. The power he found on that journey though with the Bakusaiga was worth it. There was no point in regretting how he got to this point, everything lead up to this. All of the acts he did, he would have done them the same. He wasn't one to dwell on the past in regret.

Coming up closer, he could hear Inu-Yasha's heart beat and breath as he wielded his sword. It was far from graceful, more like a butcher compared to the art of other bladesmiths. However, he tended to win quite a bit, so he had something going for him. Luck, stupidity, and the stubbornness of an ass.

The clearing was useful as Kohaku's Kilala was there as well helping it seemed. Smart little fire demon, Sesshomaru thought with admiration. For being a beast, she was intelligent, and he admired that. She stopped Inu-Yasha and nodded her head in Sesshomaru's direction.

"Yeah I smelled him coming," Inu-Yasha said as he put Tessaiga in his sheath. "What do you want? If you didn't notice I'm in the middle of training and you're interrupting."

"I noticed," Sesshomaru said stepping closer. "The war is coming, and Satomi needs your woman's help. Satomi is… learning how to deal with her powers."

"That's it, huh? Compared to your usual lofty demands, this one is not half bad. Kagome's powers have grown so much since the battle with Naraku. No wonder the jewel feared her as much as it did. Even you do. Guess you're lucky your brother is so charming."

"You flatter yourself too much. Her power is strong, and her abilities are passable. How she ever chose you is beyond me, but then I hardly care about that much."

Inu-Yasha reddened in the face and was about to yell back when Sesshomaru started walking away.

"Hey, I'm not done yet!"

"I am."

"Bastard, always being so dismissive," Inu-Yasha said with a sigh. "Screw it, I'll ask her in the morning. I'm sure she'd like to be around Satomi more anyway." Kilala came up beside him and nudged him in the shoulder. "Well, back to another journey. You and Kohaku involved too?"

Nodding, he petted her head and she purred with content. Kagome had some pretty bad vibes about this guy from the North. Jiro was not one to be taken lightly. Perhaps joining up with Sesshomaru would help the process. He remembered hearing the story later how Sesshomaru wanted to ask for his help in a war against the Panther Tribe. He was cursed then by Kikyo to that tree. Now, it was different. Sesshomaru reached out once, and he was once again. Chances are there wouldn't be a third chance in this lifetime. He was too proud for that.

As the sun started to rise, he walked back to the village. Perhaps one day they could act like real brothers, but for now, he took what he could get without being told he was an idiot. As Kagome helped with Rin, he noticed things were better. Sesshomaru was probably grateful in his own way.

Kagome was just waking up when he walked in. He hadn't intended on being out all night, but he had a lot to learn yet.

"Training?" she asked without needing to.

"Yeah, sorry it was all night."

"You're okay," she said stretching in bed before sitting up. He approached her and kissed her gently. Pressing her forehead to his, they stayed like that for a moment. It was their morning routine to just feel grounded with each other. Since they both tended to be hot headed, this helped to at least keep things calmer for a few minutes.

"Sesshomaru wants your help. Or rather he is asking for Satomi," Inu-Yasha said with a sigh as he moved away and sat next to her. "To help her hone her goddess powers I suppose. It's hard to tell what they'll need."

"Of course! The village will be fine for a little while without us," she said with her eyes lighting up.

"I figured you'd say yes," he said with a sigh. "We can let him know later. They'll be here today since the generals are coming. I can smell the higher demons approaching."

"The air does feel different today," she noted as it felt heavier. "So much rides on Satomi, I feel bad for her. But I know she can do this. She's tough and the power I felt radiating last night for a moment and the day she transformed was intense. Maybe just to have her concentrate it, that may help."

"Training a goddess. Have I told you my wife is extraordinary," he said holding her hand and kissing the top of her knuckles.

"Well, I do love to hear it," she said with a blush. "Now, let's go eat after I get fixed up. I'm hungry and your child is even hungrier."

"Little beast," he said with a laugh as he watched her stomach. It was ever so slight and early yet, but never had they been so happy. Waiting to tell people was the hardest part. As much as he wanted to shield her from the war, they never did turn those away who asked for help. Well, rather she didn't, and he ended up going with it to keep her out of trouble. Some things never changed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sesshomaru had gone back to the room and sat in the window sill. Watching her sleep and the town below, he was watching the sunrise with a dazed look. When she would move, he would look in her direction until she settled. Even goddesses needed sleep he presumed.

The air changed and he knew the generals were there. Four of them from the smell of it. No doubt the meeting would be much later, but for now he would have to hurry up and wait. Not a strong point of his.

"They're here." He heard Satomi and looked to her again. Her eyes were open as she laid in bed.

"Yes, they are." Her voice had sounded nervous, as it probably should be. Here she had to prove that she was what guaranteed their victory. That going into the war would be a waste of time and resources. That it would be short lived. The dream of any war if there ever was one. She was the only chance they had now.

It all came down to this day.

Chapter 16

Slowly sitting up, she brought her knees up to her chest and set her forehead on them. Now that today finally came, she was nervous. Never before did she have to talk to anyone about a war, let alone 4 demon generals of the southern lands that commanded armies to help defeat an evil demon to the north. No doubt Sesshomaru would persuade them on his own, but she was an interesting turn of events. Never had any of these demons witnessed a goddess, let alone one on their side.

Sighing, she raised her head to see Sesshomaru sitting on the bed next to her making her jump from surprise. Damn he was quiet. "Uh, yes?" she asked looking at him like a ghost.

"Are you ill?" he asked tilting his head to the side.

"No, just nervous."

"Your stomach is making strange noises and I smell your anxiety," he said point blank as he pointed to her stomach and then her face. His nose was too perceptive for her tastes. Couldn't he at least let her act tougher without knowing otherwise? No such luck. He had too much pride to lie.

"That's called 'nervous', Sesshomaru," she said snipingly as she pouted. "It's called being human."

"But you're no longer human," he noted slightly confused. It baffled him how a goddess could be nervous about meeting with a few demons. She could just purify them and be done with it, take their armies.

"But I WAS human," she said exasperated raising her voice slightly. "Just because I'm this now doesn't mean I don't feel what I felt when I was human. I've never been this much of the center of attention, especially with a war on the line."

There was really nothing for him to say, he didn't understand nor would he for that matter. Humans were too complex for his tastes, but she was even more complicated. Being one thing and feeling like another. He cringed at the thought of being turned into a human, but he supposed it was the opposite effect for her. Having the power to make sure those around you are protected was a point of honor for him, but then being weak enough to know you couldn't do anything about it. That change would be too much for him. Being weak and gaining strength was something he saw as a good thing, but she wasn't grasping ahold of the power she could be using yet. That would change today, the meeting would make or break her.

"You should get ready. I'm sure they'll be looking for you soon," he said as he stood up and stepped out of the room. 'Get ready how?' she wondered as she looked around. None of her clothes were in there. But then she heard the door opening and covered herself quickly. It was just him bringing in her yukata, as if he knew the plight she was in. It was one of her plain ones, just a simple light blue. "The baths are down the hall and to the right if you wish." As he left again, she took in a deep breath.

For being a hard to read demon, he had a good heart. Standing up, she felt wobbly as she stretched. Her body felt the same as it did when she was human, but her senses were enhanced if she actually concentrated. It was like being in a small room with many noises and scents all at once.

'Oh, we will break you into your new role,' Tsukiyomi called out to her so she jumped.

"I forgot you were there," she admitted shaking her head as she put on her yukata.

'That's rather rude. I tried to give you privacy as you were obviously busy,' he said with a small stifled laugh. 'A goddess and a demon lord, it sounds rather familiar.'

"Familiar how?"

'Oh, just a little something from the past. Actually it involves your lover's father and the woman he first fell in love with. Well, she was much like you, a mortal who turned goddess. Actually, she would be your… great great great great great… something aunt. It was a rather long time ago needless to say.'

"Well, that's interesting," she said as she left the room hoping no one was hearing her talk to herself. But then he was being very informative.

'She was strong, brave, intelligent, and stubborn as a rock. Kind of like you, but slightly more womanly shaped,' he said with another stifled laugh. She sighed in annoyance as she sped walked down to the baths. Luckily, she was all by herself.

The baths were glorious and pristine. White marble that covered everywhere. There was a small waterfall attached to the baths to make it even more luxurious. Something she could easily wash her hair with. Soaps and the like were strewn out for her, either Sesshomaru was fast, or they just always had these items ready for bathing pleasure. Either way, she was happy.

Undressing, she made her way into the steaming bath and sighed in contentment as soon as her body submerged. This was the life, all the stress seemed so far away now. The smell in the room, lavender and jasmine perhaps.

'As I was saying,' Tsukiyomi said as he cleared his throat. 'Her deal was much like yours. Protect the family line in exchange for using my powers. It lasts until the next one is born into the family, so you'd be the next. Which is sadly why your family had some, to put it lightly, bad luck.'

"Bad luck is hardly the phrase," she said bitterly as she moved back towards the small waterfall. Letting the water cascade down her long hair, she quietly listened to his story.

'Well, when her powers were needed, she met Toga who was rather headstrong and less of a compassionate demon lord we know him as today. Actually, he was kind of an ass.' Satomi laughed at that thought. He was so highly regarded now, but even demon lords must have had their rebellious days. 'She actually beat him in a battle. Not to the death of course, but a little competition he wanted because he didn't believe her when she said she wasn't going to work with that kind of demon. That was his turning point.'

The situation reminded her much of now. Sesshomaru slowly opening up and becoming more understanding even if he didn't see it. They both protected her little sister, but he was letting her into his circle. Obviously, he kept that circle small, but she could see the respect other demons offered to him. He was well regarded, much like his father, but now he was starting to earn it without him.

'When she died, he vowed to find her again. Their love life was short lived, but he kept the last of her days happy. They weren't as intimate as you two are, but they shared a small life together for a short time before her time came. I gifted her that much at least. He brought her flowers every morning and visited her frequently as she stayed at his estate. It was touching really.'

Her heart grew heavy hearing that, but she knew just how happy she would be if something like that happened to her. Flowers every morning, visits to just see her.

"Was he there when she died?"

'Yes… he held her until her last breath.'

Tears started to form in her eyes as she thought of what she'd go through. "Was she happy?"

'I believe so. She was smiling.'

"Good. That makes it a little easier, I think."

'Glad to hear that. I'm sorry that it has to be this way. I'll do what I can, but it depends on you as well.'

"I understand."

'They found each other again, in case you were wondering. Although it took them long enough. I tried to get the oaf over to her, but it didn't work out. He was slightly busier this time around since he was the demon lord of the west. Their first meeting was rather interesting since she didn't recognize him. Sometimes the memory remains and sometimes not. Just depends on how long it takes for the soul to come back.'

"I can imagine she was more off putting," Satomi laughed at the thought. And yet Toga must have been sad. To finally come across the woman again after so long and she not even recognize him. But then wouldn't knowing they came back be enough? It was hard to say.

'She came around.'

Before she could ask more, she heard the door open. It was Maori with a rather extravagant kimono in hand that she set on a small bench next to the door.

"Lord Sesshomaru said you would be here. Would you like assistance?" she asked with a smile. Pulling back her yukata sleeves and tying them back with a long ribbon, she was already getting ready to help. Help with what, Satomi had no idea, but she seemed determined.

"I suppose I don't have a choice," she said with a laugh.

"I'll scrub your hair," Maori said as she gathered some soaps and came over to her as Satomi moved to the edge of the large bath to sit on the steps. Feeling the sensations of her hair being washed, she hadn't felt like this since she was a child. It was relaxing as her fingertips moved along her scalp and down her hair. "I forgot how much hair you have."

"Sorry, it's why I usually braid it," she said with a sigh. Couldn't bring herself to cut it yet. Perhaps soon she would for the war. Would be easier anyway.

"It's beautiful," Maori admired as she brushed through the locks with her fingers. "I can sense a change in you, too. A demon lord has been quite taken with you it seems." Satomi's face turned a bright red as her silence was a confirmation. "I knew he wouldn't be able to resist for too long. You balance his roughness with your soft demeanor. You're strong where he is not and he balances out the rest of you as well. Lady Hana knew this day would come eventually."

Maori tapped on Satomi's shoulder to signal she was done as Satomi went to rinse out the lather. Her hair smelled like the rest of the room now, with lavender and jasmine. Taking in the smell, Satomi relaxed again.

"Well, I'd be the first to say it took me by surprise. I'm still used to being human me, not this goddess thing. I didn't even think he'd take a second glance," she admitted biting her lower lip for a moment. Stepping out of the bath, she saw Maori come near with a towel. Wiping herself off, she saw her friend look at her with an annoyed look. "What?" she asked curiously.

"He is lucky you returned the favor given how his attitude can be. He should be considered the lucky one, you have your work cut out for you. He is a good demon, but he is still learning. Hana said his father was much easier to work with. But then he lived his rebellious years, I think Lord Sesshomaru is just getting over his," Maori said with a smile as Satomi smirked and nodded.

"Point taken," Satomi said as she switched the towel for the kimono. It was intricate alright. Maori stepped in and helped put on layer after layer. By the time she was done, there had to be the weight of another human on her. "This is ridiculous. I'll roast in this thing."

"You'll be fine. We can change you out of it after the meeting after all. They'll be waiting soon," Maori said as she opened the door. Leading the way to Satomi's room, she opened the door. "I'll come get you when they're ready. Shouldn't be long now."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Kaito welcomed the generals with open arms. They were his most loyal companions. Sesshomaru was with when they arrived early. Earlier was better, but the greetings were taking longer than he preferred. However, it was interesting to see how Kaito was with them. Like they were long lost friends. They bowed in respect, but then now they were laughing talking about old times.

"This is Toga's eldest son, Sesshomaru," he introduced after a few exchanges were made. "Demon Lord of the West now."

"It was an honor to serve by Lord Toga's side in the past. I hope that we can gain the same respect from here on out," said the youngest of the demon generals as he bowed. He was about Sesshomaru's age, must have been outstanding to be a general so young.

"Likewise," Sesshomaru said as he was unsure of how to proceed. Nodding his head, it seemed that was good enough.

The eldest spoke up, he seemed to be Kaito's age. "Toga was hell on wheels back in his day, you seem more refined, less trouble maybe?" he said with a laugh. The other two agreed and enjoyed a couple stories. His father was very well spoke of, so to hear of his father having a rebellious youth was rather strange. He never asked about it, but now he was slightly curious.

"Toga had us all on edge, didn't he Kaito?" Another asked with a laugh as Kaito closed his eyes and nodded with a smile.

"He was one hell of a good demon though. You didn't see many like him," Kaito said fondly as he seemed to be off in a far memory. Looking to Sesshomaru, he still seemed to be lost in that memory. "I see him in you. Your mother as well, but you take after his honor and a keeper of his word. Your mother's pride is there as well. Both very well thought of in this day when it's easy to be corrupt being a demon. You have large steps to fill, but I believe you are the right one for the duty."

Sesshomaru hadn't usually received such praise. It was expected of him to take over his father's legacy. Hence his need to be stronger than his father. Even though he knew he could fill the role, he always felt his father was one step ahead, or rather one hundred steps. Hearing this from Kaito made him full of a pride he hadn't felt in a long time, since before his father even passed.

His facial expression remained stoic as ever as the generals continued their chat as they waited for the time to pass. The door opened behind them as Maori and Hana stepped through. Both bowing deeply as the generals, Kaito, and Sesshomaru all turned to see them. The four bowed shallowly in return as Kaito and Sesshomaru stood still.

"My lords, generals, are you ready to see the goddess of the moon? Her presence brings forth great prosperity to our lands, and not just our southern lands, the others as well. I have seen that with this omen we shall receive great peace after this is done. The era of demons is slowly closing, but her being here with our cause shall usher a new purpose for our kind. This I have seen."

A new purpose. That detail made all of them wonder. Sesshomaru knew he would have a legacy going into the future, but it was hard to picture the change. While the ages seemed to move, their kind seemed to be stagnant. Perhaps that is what would change. No longer could they live to conquer, but to survive.

"A goddess supporting a demon, it's against the very nature of the world."

The eldest general made a solid point, but Sesshomaru could hardly keep his demon nature in check as anger seeped its way up. She was more loyal than any demon at his side, minus Jaken who held onto his loyalty through the decades. Her nature was a mystery to him since she was neither fully human or fully goddess. He knew that his soul was too dark to even hope to be in the light as she was, but he felt drawn to her none the less. To say that that was against the very nature of this world made him want to prove it otherwise.

Everyone remained silent as the doors opened. Satomi was there in her full garb, her hair down this time as it fell nearly to the floor. Her lips were adorned in red stain and her upper eye lids were lined in red. Her face powdered white, she did look like a goddess, completely untouchable in her light. The kimono had many layers, but the top was white with blue crescent moons that lined the sleeves, collar, and bottom. Needless to say, the room stayed silent even as her face grew red.

"I appreciate you all for being here today to welcome me," she said with a graceful bow. "I am Satomi, the goddess of the moon on behalf of Tsukiyomi." Raising, she was struck by how the generals couldn't help but stare. Kaito was smiling as a father would seeing their daughter grown up, and Sesshomaru was also awestruck and that surprised her more than the others. She hadn't known that expression on him yet and it gave her a swell of pride knowing that she could take even him off guard.

"I realize this is rather unorthodox, but the time has come to unite our causes to defeat a greater evil than even Naraku had been. I have seen what will happen if we allow him to take over our lands. This world would plunge into darkness, our children left to live in fear, and the land to suffer in famine and war. I, for one, have seen enough of famine and war to last a lifetime. I have not lived as long as a demon, but I believe this would reveal the path of a better life.

"I wish for this world to know peace. I wish for demons and humans to both see the day when we can live in the same world without this war. Jiro lives for this chaos, he fuels it. I wish to stop it. Come what may, I will find a way to end his life before mine is done. I ask for your support as I do everything in my power to rid this world of his evil."

There it was, the whole reason she was doing this. Bowing, she could see them mull over her words in their minds. Sesshomaru seemed to be full of pride as he even smirked. Kaito continued his fatherly glance. This meant revenge for his own son's death and the generals she was sure lost good followers and even sons when they sent them to investigate. Raising, she saw them nodding to each other.

"We accept, goddess," said the eldest general. "However, there is one thing we request as proof of your goddess lineage. There has been a series of strange events to the East. A spirt of a great demon that is restless. We do not know much, but it is causing problems as we are sending demons to quell the issue. This means less to bring the war front when that should happen. Very few come back alive and those who do are bloodied and die soon after arriving. The humans have sent priestesses, but none have made it out alive either when in the spirit's grasp. Rumor has it it's a wolf… or a dog."

"A dog or wolf?" she asked curiously as she gauged Sesshomaru's reaction.

"Why is this the first time I've heard of this?" Sesshomaru asked when the dog issue came up.

"We had talked to your mother on the way here, we just hadn't gotten that far to mention it yet," a general said as he bowed. "We thought since she is the goddess of the moon and both are keen to the moon that she would be able to help if she is this goddess."

"It is okay to be cautious. Where in the East?" she asked not expecting them to take her at her word, who would take it at face value? A goddess didn't just show up out of the blue, or rather she didn't think they would until she became one.

"A mountain side is where the spirit is said to dwell. Mount Tate is where I've heard. There is a village at the base that is now destroyed, and the inhabitants have fled. The demons have also left the lands," the general added hesitantly.

"I accept since we are heading to the east any way. It is on the way and I will do what I can to alleviate this problem for you," Satomi said with a small smile as she felt honored they weren't completely shutting her out from the idea of what she was. The room seemed less tense after she accepted.

"Goddess, we should be going now," Hana said quietly as Satomi nodded as she bowed to the generals.

"Please excuse us, generals, my lords," Satomi said as she turned and left. Taking a big sigh of relief as the doors shut behind her, she felt any strain she kept in want to burst through. The first step was now done. Walking in silence to her room, they helped her undress and change into her more casual yukata. Apparently, Rin was with Kagome, Inu-Yasha and Kohaku while she was dealing with demon generals. At least she didn't have to worry about her too for the moment. She would be safe with Kagome. The world wouldn't stop spinning as she sat down on her bed.

"Satomi, are you feeling okay?" Maori asked looking at her friend curiously.

"My head just feels like it's spinning. I think it was just nerves and that heavy kimono," she said dismissively with a smile.

"Perhaps, and it is the afternoon now. You'll probably feel better at night. Remember you are the moon goddess, so taking it easy in the daytime may help if you continue to feel this way."

"Thank you for your concern, I'll keep it in mind," Satomi said with a blush. She wasn't used to being worried about. Usually she did the worrying.

"Maori, dear," Hana called out. "Would you be a dear and make some tea? I believe that would help us all."

"Yes, my lady," Maori said as she bowed and took her leave.

"I wanted to talk to you alone, Satomi," Hana said cautiously. As if she didn't know how to say what she wanted to say. "I saw some of what transpired while the transformation took place. The vision was muddled, but I remember seeing one image in particular. It ended with your death and rebirth. To receive the powers of the goddess, what did you have to sacrifice?"

"I think you know," Satomi said unwilling to say what was painfully obvious.

"Satomi," Hana said in a motherly tone. Tears forming in her eyes as she knew she was right. Her life was the sacrifice. Any chance of a long life in this lifetime. "If I do not see you again, I wish to see you in the next lifetime."

"Likewise, but I don't plan on dying until my job is done," she said as she reached forward to hold Hana's hand that was shaking as she sat next to Satomi.

"He doesn't know does he?"

"Sesshomaru? No, he does not know. He doesn't need to think about that, we have a war to win first before it even matters what happens after. I wish to keep it that way." Satomi's words were firm and no room for argument. Hana simply nodded in return. "Knowing they'll be in a world without him in it is worth that sacrifice."

"Your resolve is more powerful than the steel of the strongest demon, my child," Hana said as she stood up and collected herself. "Knowing you is a great honor and I shall tell the story of your journey to the generations ahead. You will never be forgotten, my dear. That is my promise to you."

Satomi didn't know what to say, she was honored. Smiling as she resisted the urge to cry, she could hear the door open. Wiping her eyes, she saw Maori's confused look and laughed it off.

"The meeting was more stressful than I thought," she said as they drank their tea and chatted about the small things. Weather, the festival… anything but what just happened.

As much as she was prepared for what she bargained for, she was grateful for this moment. This small, fleeting moment of normalcy.

Chapter 17

"Kagome, do you think Lord Sesshomaru will let me stay with humans even after all of this is done?" Rin asked as they played at the beach. Kagome gladly watched the girl as Sesshomaru and Satomi spoke of business with the Southern generals. Kohaku was with them as well for extra protection, although she didn't think it was needed. Inu-Yasha was off in the forest making sure all was well. He was never used to staying near a place like this for long. However, the atmosphere was different than where they were living. Less stress and much more peace.

"I think he will allow you to once Jiro is dealt with. Do you wish to?" Kagome was surprised that this question popped up. Rin was always talking about being with her favorite dog demon. Now that she was into the beginning of her womanhood years perhaps she felt a need to be more independent. It was hard to tell sometimes since she was always a joy to be around and didn't complain.

"Well, I want to be around him, but Satomi has taught me so much too. I could learn more if I stay with humans, but I'm nervous to," she admitted as she dug her feet into the sand as they stood at the shore line. "I was happy in your village, Kagome. Maybe he'd let me stay there again? Or maybe travel with Kohaku if he's not on a mission?"

"I think you'd have to learn to protect yourself better if you went with Kohaku," Kagome said with a smile. "That would take some training, but I'm sure that wouldn't take too long to get the basics. I was clueless when I first came here and I'm still alive."

"Do you think Satomi would train me? She said before that she learned how to fight really good as a human," Rin asked quietly almost to herself. Kagome just smiled wider and wrapped her arms around the girl's shoulders.

"I'm sure she'd do whatever you would ask her to do. She's truly dedicated to protecting you and I think this would also help ease her mind if you knew more. Sesshomaru may go either way, but they seem to reach an understanding pretty quick," Kagome added not really knowing how that particular conversation would go. Sesshomaru just was unpredictable with Rin, just like an uneasy father, and Satomi was so eager for Rin to learn more.

"Well, I never did ask him. Satomi has a way of winning arguments against him. It's kind of funny," Rin said with a laugh. "I always thought of him as this untouchable demon lord, and yet Satomi makes him almost act human. He has always been so kind to me, but he's different with her. Softer I suppose. A goddess and a demon lord falling in love, it makes it sound almost like a tragic legend. However, I want them to be happy."

"I suppose you're right. The divine and the damned, it sounds like a Romeo and Juliet story for sure," Kagome noted as Rin just looked at her strange. Usually when Kagome referenced something from her time, Rin stayed out of it.

"I know he's a demon, but I want him to be happy," Rin added with a sigh. They both sat in silence thinking about that. Sesshomaru dedicated his life so far to finding power and damning those who got in his way. Recently, he wanted to protect Rin, and now there was a goddess involved he wished to protect. Maybe it would take the next five hundred years to redeem his wickedness in the past, but Kagome hoped he would find the peace he deserved. Same with Satomi, something didn't sit right with the situation. Power didn't come without a cost. She just didn't know what was bartered.

"Well, enough about that," Kagome said trying to keep Rin cheerful as the events unfolded inside the castle. "Let's go play in the water and find shells. Maybe some sweet treats after too?" Rin seemed all too happy to oblige as they went into the water again. All would be figured out when the war was done. For now, all they could do was wait and see.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"She certainly looked like a goddess. That aura of purity almost stung even though you could tell she was holding back," said the youngest general, Taiki. They all nodded in agreement as Kaito and Sesshomaru stood in silence.

"A goddess coming now, it's an omen. This Jiro from the north is something. Our team we sent was the best at going in and out unseen but taking care of themselves if the need came. He took them out like rag dolls, as much as it pains me to admit. The last one rumored to deal with a goddess was Toga, and since he's no longer with us, we're running blind," said the next general, Haise who was in the middle of the age group of the generals. He was quiet for this whole time, but he couldn't help but be suspicious and weary. "Sesshomaru, your father didn't mention any of that time to you, did he?"

"No, he left that out," Sesshomaru said darkly as he disliked the rumor that his father had kept a detail like that clouded. "He died before he could say anything about it to me."

"I meant no insult," Haise said startled at the usually cool tempered Sesshomaru. Sure, he could be ruthless, but very few times had he heard of him having anything other than a calm demeanor. If he wanted you dead, he'd just kill you.

Kaito cleared his throat. "I may have something of use. That mountain that we are having issues with lies the rumored grave of the last goddess to make use of her powers. Villages spawned in the centuries since, but perhaps her awakening has awakened a power there that is trying to call out to her the only way it knows how. It is said to be a holy mountain, so this would make sense. Your father, Sesshomaru, talked of them going to this mountain only once, but I would bet my life that you will find something of interest there."

"You want her to fix the problem because she's the only one who probably can," Sesshomaru asked almost annoyed. "We don't have time for this, there is more important matters to solve."

"I agree, but it could be valuable to you both to learn as much as you can before it's too late. We are walking blind here, and if there is something that can be learned maybe we can record it for the next generation that has to deal with this problem so that they too are not the same as we are. Knowing nothing is already the loss of this war. What if we go in and find out something tragic mid battle? The moral alone would suffer and the war lost. If your mind is not clear then what hope do we have."

"Something tragic? Sesshomaru asked narrowing his eyes.

"Power does not come free, Sesshomaru," Kaito said as a warning. "You gave up much in your pursuit. She was once a human and now turned goddess. No matter how I look at it, I can only see it as temporary. One way or another. Either her body or soul will break before the other. That much power is dangerous for someone who was once mortal."

"Mortal, you say?" Haise asked with his eyes open. "For her to wield that much energy…"

Sesshomaru glared at Haise but resisted the urge to fling out his poison whip. Taking in a deep breath, he didn't want to think about Kaito's warning, but he had a point. It was something Sesshomaru thought of as well but didn't wish to. Knowing her limits would take time, and he didn't know how much time they had to work on limits. Let alone how far to actually push her.

"We shall head East this evening. Her powers seem to be stronger during the night and there isn't time to waste," Sesshomaru said as he quickly turned and walked out of the room. Deep down he wanted to go to the forest and train for hours to get his mind off of what was going through it. Her dead body at the end of a bloody battlefield. She deserved more than that. He would make sure she didn't die. He had to.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Rin," Satomi called out when she walked outside for some fresh air. Kagome and Rin were still playing by the beach. Inu-Yasha was no doubt watching from the forest nearby and she sensed Sesshomaru not too far off either. However, his aura seemed agitated and uneasy unlike normal. Usually his demonic aura was calm and collected. This time it seemed to be flaring out in all directions. Rin saw Satomi and ran up to her full of energy but breathless. "I see you've been having a good day."

Satomi smiled contently as Rin told her all the little details about her day on the beach and the treats she got to eat. Truly she felt like a mother even though the girl was into her early teens. After this war was done, she would never get to see her have a life beyond now, so she watched every detail of her face, listened to every inflection of her voice, anything to preserve how she was now.

"Satomi, have you seen Lord Sesshomaru since the meeting?" Rin asked directly, making Satomi snap out of her trance.

"I have not. Hana and Maori were keeping me company. However, I'll imagine we will be leaving soon. Maybe as soon as tonight, it's hard to tell though since he hasn't mentioned anything," she said to Rin before turning her attention to Kagome. "Apparently there's a disturbance in the East that they wish for me to take care of. After that they will meet us in the West."

"Inu-Yasha and I will accompany you then," Kagome said with a smile as Satomi smiled back. It would be nice to have some female company of her own age. Rin was amazing but there was only so much she could bring up to the younger ears.

"I look forward to it. Should be interesting with the brothers. Hopefully we don't have to scold them too much," Satomi said teasingly as they started to walk towards the town.

"No promises," Kagome said with a groan. "They've always been impossible."

Both sighed and then laughed as they talked about the past issues the brothers had. Satomi was getting quite the earful and shaking her head to the stories. Sounded like they both had a lot of issues to work out, but things sounded calmer. Perhaps Kagome was part of it and taking care of Rin in the village. Surely that would keep Sesshomaru in check a bit better. Maybe…

Sesshomaru's aura hadn't been calming down by the time sunset came. The girls had been in the small hut Kagome and Inu-Yasha stayed in and Satomi excused herself. Sighing, she decided she better just get this over with. When the guy picked to be angry, he was rather obstinate in it. Just when she was thinking that Inu-Yasha appeared before her.

"I wouldn't," he said warningly. "When he's like this it's best to leave him alone. However, that's just my experience. Didn't take much for him to want to rip my head off anyway." He continued walking as Satomi just nodded and smiled.

Continuing to walk in Sesshomaru's direction, there were a few times where his aura burned her. Poison? She saw the poison more than once, perhaps that was his ability. Either way it was powerful, and her purification powers were healing her as fast as it bit into her skin. She could feel the aura start to dissipate as she drew closer. Almost as if he was inviting her.

The clearing was burned and drenched with the smell of a strong poison. He was letting off some steam, that much was certain. He looked to her glaringly as she reached the clearing and stepped forward. Stopping once she saw his face, her eyes determined to not falter. They were still some distance apart, but it may as well have been worlds.

"What is it, woman?" he asked pointedly as he looked at her yukata. It was burned in places from his own energy. Sniffing the air, she didn't seem to be hurt. However, he could have sworn he smelled her blood as she approached. Her power must have healed her as she came into this dense fog of poison. A purple cloud of miasma settled into the ground, turning the grass brown.

"I could ask you the same, demon," she answered with the same level of condescending nature. "Throwing tantrums over something? You certainly did some damage." Narrowing her eyes, his own eyes matched hers flashing a bright red before he disappeared and reappeared inches from her face. His eyes were back to amber as she now looked up at him.

"What did you barter for your power?" he asked with his tone demanding an answer. She looked to the side and he touched her chin with his thumb and index finger to turn it back to him. "I'm not a fool, woman. Don't treat me as such."

"Woman, is that all I am to you now?" she asked as she slapped his hand away. It was hard to find the words that she wanted to tell him. Tears welled up painfully as her voice felt like it was choked from her throat.

"What did you barter?" he asked again, this time it felt softer. Less demanding and more pleading.

Leaning her head forward against his chest, she breathed as the tears blurred her vision. One by one they fell to the ground, purifying the poison and leaving the grass green where the drops landed.

"I was supposed to have died so many other times. I couldn't protect Rin when she needed me. I couldn't do anything with my life. So, I gave up my life for the powers I would use in return to be sure Rin was protected. At least my death will have meaning," she said as he gripped her shoulders almost painfully and pulled her away so he could look at her.

Her eyes were calm although the tears fell, and he was left with his eyes wide not knowing what to say. It was what he thought, but he wished for it to be anything but that. His grip lessened on her shoulders. "Your life would have had meaning. Humans have such a fleeting life, why do this?"

"Yes, it is fleeting. I would rather die for a cause I know I believe in rather than not knowing what cause is left to me. To be with the ones I care about most at the end and know when it will be here than never knowing the next step. This world is harsh and cruel, and I was promised of her protection." Her tears stopped as she wiped them, now she was just sure of her cause even more.

"I have guaranteed that for years," Sesshomaru said almost insulted. "You doubt my abilities. I could have protected you and her without your sacrifice."

"I don't doubt you, but this world is ever changing. What if you died? What then? I couldn't bear the thought of either of you dying," she admitted as she reached forward and hugged him. Taking in a deep breath and letting it go, she could feel the poison lifting. His arms didn't wrap around her, but she knew that he understood her.

"I will not die. Neither will you two. I will win the war with Jiro and you can keep your powers hidden as much as possible," he said as his arms finally wrapped around her upper back. She was so warm and pure, he felt obligated. He couldn't let her die. Even if it meant going it alone, he wouldn't endanger her to protect this world. He was too selfish for that. She was his, not to give to the world for their martyr. The world didn't deserve that.

His words made her take in another deep breath and hold onto his woodsy sent. It was like home should smell. Maybe he could do this on his own. However, she knew that would be impossible. Feeling his power, Jiro was willing to play dirty and yet she sensed Sesshomaru would eventually do the same to win. She didn't want it to come down for that. For his pride to take a hit just because of his need to protect her.

"I know you'll protect us. But who will protect yours?" she asked as he almost laughed at the idea. A small 'huff' left his mouth as he shook his head. She looked up at him and she saw a small tug of a smile on the side of his mouth. It made her blush.

"Satomi," he said leaving her breathless. "You are the most beautifully stubborn woman I have ever met." Kissing her forehead, he walked passed her as she turned to follow with her cheeks red as crimson. As they walked, she ended up beside him. Sliding her hand to his, she threaded her fingers with his.

"Sesshomaru, you are the most honorable handsome demon I have ever met," she said quietly as she looked up at him, his face almost unreadable. It was obvious he was not used to compliments, usually the opposite she figured.

"We leave tonight," he said changing the subject as she shook her head knowing what he was doing. "We don't have time to waste, and the sooner we get this done, the sooner we can figure out the rest of the problem. The East won't take long to get to and Rin will probably sleep most of the time on Ah-Un. The entire night should be enough."

"What about the mountain's aura since it's holy? Won't that hurt you?"

"Don't be foolish. I will not succumb to such nonsense."

"Suit yourself, stubborn dog demon," she said shaking her head again. "I hear Kagome and Inu-Yasha are coming with."

"That is true, but I won't have them slow us down," he said narrowing his eyes at the thought.

"Sometimes I can see why some would call you heartless," she said with a laugh before catching a glare from him.

"You'd be wise to heed them," he said warningly as he thought about the deeds he had committed before.

"I'm a person who believes what I see with my own eyes. You're far from heartless, but the one we're battling is. We will be strong if we stick together, but we have to be united. All of us," she said determined as his mouth twitched to another ever so barely there smile.

"You're quite motivating for a human," he said teasingly as she blushed. Finally coming up to the village, she saw Kagome, Inu-Yasha, Rin, Kohaku, and Kilala all waiting. Still holding onto his hand, Kagome almost looked like she would faint from the sight. Inu-Yasha was even more at a loss for words.

"I take it you're ready," Sesshomaru said not letting their looks phase him. Although he knew exactly why.

"Don't give us that, of course we are. Time to show that guy who's here to stop him every time," Inu-Yasha said full of confidence as he punched the air. The rest agreed as Sesshomaru and Satomi let go of each other's hand.

"Now we don't know what's waiting for us in the East, but let's go get some answers. I want this guy done with so we can go on with our lives," Satomi said as Rin went to her side holding her arm.

"Yeah!" Rin called out as everyone smiled.

It was decided that Kagome would ride with Kohaku on Kilala. Satomi and Rin would ride on Ah-Un while Inu-Yasha and Sesshomaru would keep the lead and back protected on their journey. It would be a long night, but they agreed stopping would hinder their plan. Rin would rest since she was the least prepared for these sorts of things, but Satomi almost welcomed the idea of making sure she was safe as she slept.

Sesshomaru and the cloud beneath him protected the front as Kilala and Ah-Un were close together. Kagome and Satomi would chat now and again but it was mostly quiet. There was so much riding on this journey. The fate of the world that Kagome and Inu-Yasha were familiar with, but Satomi felt the weight of it as the night dragged on. Everyone was depending on her, but she didn't know how to live up to the expectations. The only thing she could do was do the best she could. But would her best be enough… she could only hope.

"I see it," Kagome called out as the hazy mountain made its appearance as the sun broke through the fog on the horizon. They had ridden all night, Rin was rubbing her eyes as she woke up and the rest seemed to be exhausted. It was still a good two day walk from where they were. But the aura didn't feel holy even from here. It felt tainted somehow like the generals were worried about.

However, suddenly Sesshomaru stopped and so did Ah-Un and Kilala. Narrowing her eyes, Satomi could see the thick barrier. It was more obvious as she concentrated. This far out… but it didn't feel pure. There was something else at work here, as if something wanted what was at the mountain to create chaos. No doubt Jiro and his followers were to blame for this.

"We stop here," Sesshomaru said as he descended in annoyance. If even he wanted to stop and investigate then Satomi knew something was off. He would be the type to charge in and not worry if people followed him.

Following him, Satomi jumped off of Ah-Un and rushed to the barrier. Looking at it further, she could feel the world seemingly go away as voices became faded. Looking forward and narrowing her eyes, she could see a figure in the distance.

"Hello my dear," said the chilling voice she already knew. Jiro.

Everyone seemed to be paused in time as she went to everyone. The silhouette in the distance walked closer until she could see it was him on the other side of the barrier.

"Happy to see me? We could end this here, but that would be too soon. I want the world to see your death so they never question me." Menacing. That was the only thing in his voice she could hear. "I want to hear your last breath under my hand."

"You're a monster," she said as she stood her ground and clenched her fists.

"Oh hardly my dear. I am what the world created, it's the world that's a monster," he said shaking his head and sighing. "Monsters are demons like them that think they can rule the world and no one ever thinks otherwise."

"You're a demon yourself," she said accusingly.

"Hm… now I am," he said as he started fading away. "I do hope you don't die yet, goddess. I look forward to doing the deed myself."

Suddenly it was like everything moved forward again in time. Everyone was talking about the barrier. Satomi was out of sorts as Sesshomaru picked up on that.

"Are you ill?" he asked curiously. The barrier was emitting a sort of strange aura and he wondered if she was affected by it.

"No… just. It's nothing," she said not knowing how to explain what happened. "We should keep walking and see if there's a weak point. I don't sense any give here."

"She's right, staying here won't do us much good," Kagome said noting the area was rather ominous feeling. "I sense a better area to the north."

Walking, Satomi couldn't get what happened out of her head. What kind of trap did Jiro set for them that he hoped she survived just to be killed later. He was truly evil, but she knew she'd have to be on her guard. All the while, she felt like she was being watched. However, it was a different kind of presence. An angry presence.

Chapter 18

Making their way towards what felt like a less dense aura from the barrier, Satomi was still bothered by what Jiro had said. He wanted to kill her so badly, and yet she was being spared just for the public execution of it all. Twisted didn't even begin to describe that evil demon. What did he mean by 'I am now'? That part bothered her equally but for different reasons. She had heard of humans turning into demons, but they were usually lesser demons that were no longer of their past selves. His words truly had her puzzled.

Sighing heavily, Kagome and the others looked at her in the silence that ensued. Everyone noted that she was acting different. She had never been that good at hiding her emotions, and it showed even more now than ever.

"You know, sighing doesn't solve it," Inu-Yasha spoke up in an annoyed voice. "I swear if I have to hear one more I think I may lose it."

Just like a switch she spun around, and it was as if an aura of purity washed over him. But it was an angry purity, and suddenly Inu-Yaha's hair was black and his dog ears gone. Everyone looked at her with wide eyes. Her own eyes widened as she realized what had happened. She purified his demon nature, without even a thought.

Sesshomaru felt an odd sensation on his arm as he realized he wasn't in the path of her gaze but some of her aura had brushed up against him. She had burned a part of his arm that was already healing. If Inu-Yasha had been all demon, he would have been mortally wounded. In this case, his human nature saved him from a whim of anger. Go figure he lucked out once again.

"I'm sorry," Satomi said softly breaking the silence.

"Nah, pretty sure he deserved it," Kagome said as Inu-Yasha looked at her for help. "Don't be so rude, obviously the barrier is taking its toll and you had to go open your big mouth."

"The hell…," Inu-Yasha said with a grunt. "Fine I'm sorry, now turn me back."

"Uh… I don't even know how I turned you human, let alone take it back," she admitted with a little shallow laugh. Scratching the side of her face, she thought as he started walking towards her. Sesshomaru walked inbetween and narrowed his eyes at Inu-Yasha.

"Her aura is still permeating the area. We need to move, not indulge in this foolishness," Sesshomaru said as a final say as he turned and walked further away. His own demonic energy was being manipulated. She would be worse than the mountain at this rate, but then perhaps that would make the path that much easier if he could get used to her purifying aura.

Following him, Satomi felt horrible, but she didn't find it in herself to apologize a second time. This place was making her feel sick, as if everything was slowing down. The anger that was following her was choking her, making her legs heavy, and her mind cloudy. It wasn't Jiro, but something wanted her attention. Her aura was becoming harder to control and her emotions with it.

Looking back at Inu-Yasha, she could see his silver hair returned and they were talking, but she couldn't hear them. Looking to Sesshomaru, she reached forward but her hand went through him. He glanced back but seemed to notice nothing.

'Tsukuyomi,' she called out in her mind, but there was nothing. What was happening? She stopped, but her body continued on in her sad expression. Running to catch up, she suddenly felt heavy. Collapsing on the ground, she watched them all leave her soul behind. Hearing rustling behind her, she could feel a presence.

"You're the same as me," the voice belonged to a young woman. Probably her age, but she couldn't turn her head to be sure. "They didn't even notice the change let alone how you're now trapped here. So sad, little girl."

Little girl? She couldn't ask to confirm, but what was going on? Pain shot up through her body as the others disappeared into the distance. The voice had disappeared, and it was now too quiet. Something was very wrong with this place, but she didn't have time to be here. It was obvious that if she was going to escape, she'd have to do it herself.

Concentrating, she moved her hand just enough to try and push herself up. Struggling to get that far, she had a sheen of sweat covering her forehead. Breathing heavy, she felt ridiculous until she looked down at her body. She looked a lot shorter than she remembered. Within the barrier, it gave off a mirror like reflection, although imperfect. Now she knew why the voice called her 'little girl', she truly was a little girl.

From her memory, she would have been about ten years old or so, just a few years younger than Rin now. Her eyes wide, she didn't have time to think of how or why. She had to keep moving. Standing was out of the question as her body buckled under her. Crawling was a struggle but it had to be done. Would no one notice her gone for so long? Surely her body was being weird? Either way, she didn't have time to think of it, her body took everything just to move. And it looked like her goddess powers would be useless now.

"Stupid goddess powers, stupid demons, stupid stupid stupid," she said with the anger that piled up inside of her.

"Good… now give me that anger," the voice reappeared in front of her. The feet were bare and looked to be pristinely clean despite being in the forest. Looking up was a struggle, but the white kimono and red obi stood out against the forest green behind her. Long black hair tied up in a red ribbon and eyes as cold as ice and black as coal adorned her face. Her skin was almost deathly white. "Give in to your anger."

"I'm trying to get angry so I can go back to my body. Now move," she said in a voice she hardly recognized. Her child voice was so different from her memory. However, she had to remain strong. Moving forward, she hardly cared she went right through the young woman.

"Why do you persist?" Suddenly a jolting pain went through her as she fell back to the ground. As if a thousand lightning bolts ran through her body and left her motionless. Stabs of pain continued to flow through her body like knives as she couldn't find the energy to move. She was helpless and the voice was gone yet again.

"Because… I have no choice…," she finally said as the darkness took her. Just a little rest, that would be all she needed. She had to make it back, she had to.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

While the other's walked, Sesshomaru made a glance backwards. Something seemed to want his attention, and this forest was continually giving off a strange aura. Not to mention Satomi was oddly quiet and solemn. Narrowing his eyes, he brought up his sword and nearly swung her head off. Looking to him with an emotionless face, everyone gasped. Time was quiet for a moment, then suddenly there was life to her eyes again.

"Well, this is troublesome," it was her voice, but Sesshomaru knew it wasn't her using it. "I suppose we should have a sit down in the village, eh? This forest is dangerous."

"Where is Satomi?" Sesshomaru demanded not moving his sword.

"She isn't here. Her soul is lost to me. As for me, I am her god host Tsukuyomi. I've been trying to find her, but she is beyond my reach for whatever the reason. I stopped hearing her just moments after she nearly purified the half demon. I just thought she was out of sorts because she felt rather bad…"

Looking to the ground, Sesshomaru lowered his sword. He swore to protect her, and now her soul just up and vanishes. With a determined look, he set out the way they came. He would find her come hell or high water. As for how, he would figure it out.

Tsukuyomi followed close behind along with the others. "Why do you follow?" Sesshomaru demanded.

"Well, you may need the help, and with her soul on the escape route, you may need the body nearby just in case," Tsukuyomi said with a shrug. Sesshomaru didn't like the idea of this god taking the commands of her body, but if it kept her alive then he would take it for now.

"Well, you do need her alive yet it seems. Willing to kill her for the cause, but I already promised her I would protect her," Sesshomaru said determined to show this god who was the demon lord around here.

"Your father said the same thing to his goddess," Tsukuyomi said before being put into the air by the throat. Sesshomaru was not in the mood, and everyone was urging behind him to let her body go. While the god was there, it was still her body.

"Sesshomaru, don't be rash. We need him now," Kagome said as Sesshomaru's muscles relaxed and let the body down.

"Did you ever wonder about his past? I could tell you many things since I am even older than he was. It is my job to watch over the lunar creatures, demons included I suppose. At least to keep tabs on them," Tsukuyomi said with a smirk.

Inu-Yasha's ear perked up but he knew it could be a trick. Time of was the essence, and everyone knew that. Sesshomaru just continued walking and Tsukuyomi shrugged again. To be a god amongst demons, how the mighty have fallen, he thought humored by the idea. Her soul was close by, it was screaming, but he dared not tell a demon that. The pain was starting to jolt through her body, but there was no blood. If she were to take back her body without giving her soul time to heal… stopping her body, he watched the others eye him with suspicion.

"I can go no further…," he admitted as worry clouded his face. "Her soul can not return to this body yet. Bringing a hand in front of her chest, there was a bright light and then a crystal. She needs to return to that first."

"Why?" Kagome asked never hearing of a body that shouldn't return to its body as soon as possible.

"Her soul," he started before shaking her head. The priestess needed to know because she would be the one to jump start the healing. "It's being tortured. If it returns, the wounds will show on the body and she will die. I will not even be able to save her then."

Sesshomaru's eyes widened as he approached her body with anger. "Where is she?"

Handing the crystal to him, Tsukuyomi pointed towards the barrier. The torture was severe, the screaming was nearly deafening to him. She was trying to get to Sesshomaru but even then she couldn't see him. To be so torn apart, what demented demon would do this? And yet, there wasn't a demonic presence. Simply an angry spirit. However, there was nothing simple about this spirit. The anger was nearly blinding with the need to torture. Killing felt like a bonus.

Kohaku noticed Satomi's breath grow ragged. "Miss, do you need to sit on Kilala?" Simply nodding, her body moved towards the demon cat. Leaning her body against it, Tsukuyomi felt his control slipping. The soul wanted to be reunited, but it simply couldn't happen yet. Jiro had to be behind this, no doubt the monster knew this angry spirit resided here.

Sesshomaru approached the place where Tsukuyomi said next to the barrier, and he could feel the pain. What was happening, he had no idea. The crystal was shaped like a flower, a budding rose he supposed and he held it out before him. It glowed with a white light as he could see her battered soul enter. There was no image of her body, but he could feel the angry spirit flee quickly.

Handing off the crystal to Kagome, he chased after the spirit. It would be destroyed for that. Swinging his sword, he aimed it at the barrier where he sensed the soul enter through. Nothing. Not even a give to the barrier's power. Growling with anger, he sheathed his sword and walked back to them. They were going towards the village again. This time faster as he could feel Kagome's healing powers working its way to Satomi's soul.

Seeing the group, they were at the outskirts of the village. He took his time needing to relax before he killed the impudent god for not finding her faster. He could see why they had been stopped here by Jiro, this place was cursed. The heaviness didn't affect him, but he could imagine for a divine being it would. He wondered if perhaps that was why the god's senses weakened so it didn't even know her soul left the body.

The barrier here was not able to be destroyed by his own sword. A sword that was supposed to destroy all it touched and what the aftermath touched thereafter. Similar to what they had gone through with Rin all those months ago. Only this time he didn't know what this barrier was linked to. The soul that tormented Satomi? It was possible.

He remained outside of the village perimeter for a little while longer, thinking of what Jiro's motivations could be. With most motivations it was power, but Jiro just seemed to want to create chaos. At first the chaos was directed at himself being the demon lord of the west. Now, with Satomi being the goddess of the moon, his actions had changed. Either way, Rin seemed to be part of the equation. It was too dangerous to keep including her, as he remembered years ago how that turned out from his reckless pride. However, it was risky to leave her as well. Kagome and Inu-Yasha would be the only ones he could trust with the task. However, he noticed a shift in Kagome's scent. Another change in the development. Did his father have to deal with such frustrations? He had to wonder.

Feeling drops of rain fall from the sky, he turned to the village and followed the scent of Satomi. It was intoxicating and radiated a sense of peace. Yet, this time it was different. There was pain, he could feel it extending out to him as if she was right there reaching out to him. His pace quickened as he walked inside and saw the orb resting on Kagome's palms delicately. Satomi's body was still possessed by the god as it sat next to her.

"We were just talking about her condition," Kagome said looking up as everyone else watched her. "There's a lot of damage though and it will take time to heal. Time he don't really have." Looking around, Kohaku nodded.

"My Lord, there is a way to heal her faster, but it will require your assistance," Kohaku said as everyone hushed in the room.

"Well," Sesshomaru said impatiently as Satomi stood up. Her face was solemn as she looked to the ground. The expression made his heart clench, a sensation he knew little of.

"As a demon lord, you have much power," Tsukuyomi started as a deep breath was taken in and let out. "You and her are linked through the power she borrowed from you in the beginning. To quicken the process it would basically require you to take on the damage and allow her to heal on the same level you do. If I were to reunite this body with the soul without the exchange, it would be lethal even with the powers of a god. She is strong, but I fear not strong enough with the condition she is in. The soul that tormented her was not an ordinary angry soul, it was brutal to cut away pieces of her the way it did."

Holding out her arm, it brought upon a vision of a body torn limb from limb. Bloody and battered. It took him a moment to realize it was her. That was the condition of her soul. The sight made his eyes gleam red with anger as his true demon form wanted to emerge and destroy what did this to her. Calming himself, he glared at her and then looked to the orb again.

"What needs to be done?" Sesshomaru asked looking determined. He promised to keep her safe and already this was looking unpromising. He had his honor to uphold and his promise.

"First you need to lie down," Satomi said as he glared at her brutally obeying the words. As the group cleared space, Satomi laid down next to him. "Now Kagome, I need you to put the orb in my hand when I say. I will resist the soul wanting to connect, however this will only be for a short time. Being this close is already hard enough. After that, Sesshomaru I need you to connect with her soul. Just quiet your mind and concentrate on what you need to do to help her. Your goal should be to find her first. Understood?"

He nodded looking towards the ceiling. Being this close to her and yet so far away. He felt vulnerable, something he would never admit aloud. He had never looked for a soul before. He brought back Rin's once, but that wasn't finding it. The way Tsukuyomi made it sound, it was going to be difficult. Even if the instructions were easy.

Sesshomaru heard Kagome approach with the orb, he closed his eyes and at first it felt like nothing was happening. However, when he opened his eyes, everything was dark. Sesshomaru was now standing in nothingness. No sound, no ground or sky… just darkness. His breath echoed around him as he tried to understand where he was. A cry broke the silence. It was almost inaudible; however, he knew it was her. Rushing in the direction, he could still only see darkness.

Looking around again, in another direction he saw a light. Dim yet there. Flying quicker than he ever had, he stopped before the small orb of light before reaching out for it. The cries were coming from this small place. Touching it, he saw flashes of the malice done to her soul. The pain carved out blood under his clothes. He was taking on her damage now. He found her, but the light was so dim yet. Taking in another breath, he took on more damage as blood flowed in small streams down his body. Refusing to go to his knees, he held the orb as his arms and legs felt like they were being torn although they remained attached.

The light shined brighter as time passed on. It was impossible to know how much time had passed by now. Every cut felt drawn out slowly and deliberately. Suddenly, he felt her hand on his hand. His senses had dropped as he was now surrounded by his own blood. Was he losing his mind, he didn't think so, but he could see her glowing silhouette before him.

"That's enough," she begged as she stood before him. He was not aware of when he did drop to one knee, but apparently long enough to have her go to her own knees in front of him to be able to see his face. Taking his hand between her own, she kissed his knuckles as tears rolled down her face. "You shouldn't have done this."

He shook his head in response. "I made a promise. I keep my promises on my honor."

"Damn your honor, foolish demon," she said through the tears as she reached her hand out to touch his face. Her hand felt like silk against his skin. She was the most beautiful person he ever encountered. Her purity was too much for him and yet he wanted to consume it all. All for himself. Selfish yes, but he didn't care enough to change it. She was his, and he was hers. What he was willing to do for her proved that.

Standing slowly, he felt himself reach for her shoulder for balance. She stood with him and held his hand there. He could see her look into him for an answer he didn't even know there was a question for. Looking at her, she pulled herself into an embrace against his bloodied body. She would still love him with all this blood. Most would run in fear.

"I was afraid you forgot about me then," she said as a memory flashed at the beginning of her torture. He brought his arms around her and pulled her tighter against him. "You were all that kept me going in the end. I wanted to yell at you for forgetting me."

"Foolish woman." His voice was raspy as he spoke. Slowly, he could smell her scent and feel her embrace even more so. His body felt light somehow. His fingers raked through her hair slowly as his strength returned gradually as hers did as well. Closing his eyes, he felt at peace for probably the first time in his life.

Suddenly there was a light. A strong light that was harsh before his eyelids. As he opened his eyes, he could hear chatter. His body felt heavy now as he reached forward and saw Inu-Yasha, Kagome, and Kilala gathered. His upper body was unclothed and bandaged. His hakamas covered in blood. Looking beside him, he didn't see her. However, when he looked forward, she was there. Leaning over him with a smile that melted his beast of a cold heart.

"You're back," she said as she pressed her forehead to his grabbing his hand. "We've been waiting."

Rin emerged from the outside door with tears in her eyes. "Lord Sesshomaru! You were covered in blood and then Satomi woke up yesterday but you weren't waking up. We were so worried. Kagome and Satomi bandaged you over and over. I was so scared you were going to die."

"It was my fault, I was careless," Satomi said as she brought Rin into an embrace. "We can rest easy now with this. We have other problems to take care of tomorrow."

"No, we have already wasted enough time," Sesshomaru said trying to get up. His wounds had been severe, but they were healing. The god was right, she wouldn't have been able to survive this. Even Sesshomaru felt he wouldn't have if it had been a direct attack.

"You did this for me, so let me say this to you. Rest," Satomi said putting a hand to his forehead and again he felt his body light. She had done something to him, curses. He had to hand it to her, it was hard to refuse when she just did what she wanted regardless. All he could do was protect her along the way. Even through his dreams, he couldn't hide a small smirk that emerged upon his face.

Chapter 19

"He might kill you for that," Inu-Yasha said with a smirk. Honestly, he looked like he rather enjoyed it as Satomi looked at him with a worried look before sighing.

"Well, it was a good run, but he's too injured now. Because of me," she said looking to him and scanning his wounds. They were healing fast, but he needed more time. He had been sleeping along side her absorbing her wounds for two full days. Waking up yesterday, she could see the toll it took. She owed him everything and yet everything didn't seem like enough now.

"He did it to save you, there was no telling what could have happened if he didn't," Kagome said soothingly as she put her hand to Satomi's shoulder. Kagome had watched Satomi try to come to terms with what he did. It had shocked everyone that he agreed so willingly.

"She tore me apart as if I was a rag doll. Now he chose to suffer through it. I'm not a goddess, I'm just as weak as I've always been. At least now we know what we're dealing with. The protective sutras are at least holding up now. With the village being abandoned at least we don't have to worry about casualties if things get messy," Satomi said with a sigh as she tried to get over feeling sorry for herself. It didn't do Sesshomaru any good to have her like this.

Extending her arms out above his body, she continued to try and heal his wounds faster. Occasionally, she would feel him stir only to sleep again. Did he ever really sleep when he wasn't forced to? She never really did see him sleep before her after being with him and yet he always seemed relaxed and calm. If he ever did it was after she was long asleep. Demons were strange, but she wanted to know him more. She owed him that much, to know who he really was.

Her aura poured out over him and she had to remember that he was a demon and if too much pure energy came out it could do more damage than good. Teetering on that constant delicate edge, she could feel his strength returning more and more. Everyone had gone about their day within the sutras Kagome had brought up around the village. Feeling the angry energy around the barrier they provided though proved to be stressful. Even Rin was feeling more down than usual.

As Satomi took a break, she stood up and noticed everyone was outside. Sighing, she took a step outside of the door and noticed a shockwave of energy. Apparently, the spirit didn't like being kicked out of her own stomping grounds. Pity, Satomi wished she could do worse to eliminate the threat. However, it wasn't a demon and yet it seemed to be on the verge of something more. A breaking point that could make it all fall apart.

Kagome was near a sutra, chanting her spiritual energy into it. They were draining fast and it wasn't because of her lack of spiritual power. This spirit meant business and it was focusing on finding a way in. Walking up to her, she waited until Kagome was done with her chant and gave a small reassuring smile.

"She's not letting up, is she?" Satomi asked as Kagome shook her head.

"She's not. I don't know how much more I can hold her, but I can't see her. The aura is everywhere but the presence comes and goes. I don't know if my bow and arrow can quell this one," Kagome admitted. The original plan was to have Kagome purify it while Satomi and Sesshomaru were out of commission, but that proved to be less than efficient. Now the soul just kept moving and letting her aura permeate everything and remain invisible.

"There has to be something," Satomi said as they both headed back to the hut. Rin was sitting outside the hut door with Kohaku. They seemed to be talking as the women approached but the mood seemed so grim that Satomi was saddened by it. "Don't worry, we'll get out of here soon and back on the road. We have a war to win."

Trying to be positive when she felt just as miserable was beyond difficult. The two nodded but she knew this place was making them depressed. Couldn't go anywhere and yet couldn't stay. The aura felt as if they were put into a cage and someone was constantly knocking at the bars. Trapped.

Suddenly realizing something, she turned her head quickly to look at the barrier. She had an idea, a rather reckless one but it could work. What use was she as a divine being if she couldn't even figure an angry spirit out.

"Kagome, I have an idea," Satomi said with a small grin.

"Somehow I don't think I'll like it," Kagome said with a sigh. "What can I do?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"I really don't like this plan," Kagome said with a groan as they prepped for Satomi to go outside of the barrier. Inu-Yasha agreed for the first time in ages so willingly. Rin and Kohaku looked at her with worry as well. Everyone seemed to agree, but Satomi had held a valid point earlier with the formation of this plan.

Her memory went to earlier in the day. 'What if she's lashing out because she, herself, has been trapped? What if she's the one being tortured? If I can't help this soul, what hope do I have in saving the rest of this land?' It was a sad thought. If this soul had gone through the same thing Satomi did, it was more than hell, it was the lowest level imaginable. Ripping and tearing at your body that you can feel to the marrow of your bones to your heart and soul feeling the agony. There was a personal vendetta from the soul, and Satomi wanted to help. If it wasn't her, it could have been anyone and there was no telling if anyone else would have made it back as she did.

"I'll be fine. I know what to expect this time and I won't have Sesshomaru interfere. He has done enough," Satomi said nodding her head towards the still slumbering demon. Walking outside, Rin and Kohaku were to remain inside while Inu-Yasha and Kagome would back up Satomi. Kilala was to protect the hut.

Rin burst out of the hut in tears as she wrapped her arms around Satomi's waist. Rin had grown into such a beautiful young lady and Satomi would live to see her grow every day until she had to say good bye. Today would not be that day of severance, she would be sure of that.

"Don't go away," Rin said burying her face in Satomi's shoulder as tears rolled down.

"I'll be back before you know it. Sesshomaru will be there with you and I'm sure if he feels the need he will wake up. He's a stubborn demon that way," Satomi said with a confident smile as she hugged Rin back and patted her head. "I don't let her get the upper hand this time."

Nodding into her shoulder, Rin backed away slowly as Kohaku came back out to escort her inside. Rin looked back as Satomi made sure to keep eye contact with a smile and a wave.

"You seem confident," Inu-Yasha said with an arched brow.

"I'm not, but she needs me to be," Satomi said honestly as Inu-Yasha just shook his head. He knew what she meant. To be strong for them so that they could hope for the best instead of expecting the worst. She was the opposite of his brother, and yet he could tell she impacted him greatly over the last few months. She wasn't the woman he deserved, but she was the woman his brother needed.

"We'll be here, just let us do our job and you do yours. We've been through worse," Inu-Yasha said patting her shoulder as Kagome smiled and nodded agreeing with her husband.

"Right, let's get it done." Satomi walked forward to the edge of the barrier. Pressing her hand to the border, she could feel someone pressing back. Looking up, she saw the spirit. She was more ragged than Satomi remembered. All this effort into trying to break the barrier must have done a number. Or rather they were seeing the real soul for the first time.

All the pain raged through Satomi, but she knew it wasn't her own. It swirled around her like a torrent of water, knocking her back before she got up again. All the while she could hear a voice. It was small and belonged to a young woman. She could see a tree with blood everywhere along the roots and trunk and a figure laying lifeless before it. 'Help me.'

Darkness took her but it seemed to be more of a vision. Eyes opening and shutting as a demon spoke words she couldn't understand. A chant of some sort. The ripping and screaming were all Satomi could make out in the midst of blood and darkness. The moon was full, and the tree was blooming cherry blossoms of white. The ones low enough were red and dripping with her blood. The demon was human like, eyes of a glowing yellow and white as porcelain skin. His clothes looked to be that of a noble, the colors of black and white were splashed with red. It was his laugh though that rang through her head as the most memorable. The cackling laughs of evil that showed how much he enjoyed the torture.

Suddenly it went dark again. A figure in a ripped kimono of what used to be a light blue now tainted with red blood, her face was looking down as she walked towards Satomi. Stopping a body length ahead of her, Satomi just waited. It seemed like an eternity as she could hear her friends calling her in the reality she must have left behind.

"Do you hate me enough to kill me?" the figure asked wavering, as if she had been crying. "End it, goddess."

Coming back to reality, she found herself on the ground with Inu-Yasha and Kagome above her. Blinking, she sat up looking to the barrier. The woman was there as she had seen her in her vision. However, this time, the woman looked up. Beautiful caramel eyes and flawless skin of her face. Her kimono was the only evidence of the heinous act done to her. Black hair flowing down to her lower back was dripping blood off only the ends. Proof she was still living that day's events. She wanted someone to kill her. To destroy her soul once and for all.

"Kikyo once held my soul, I sense her essence with you. Her purity made the pain go away as I helped sustain her life for a time. I wanted the pain to go away again. But when I realized it wasn't her, I knew the pain would keep me here as it did before. I cannot forgive or forget, so I linger. The village left in fear of me and what had happened. Now, there is nothing but pain," the woman said to everyone.

"The demon?" Satomi asked as she stood up.

"In the forest yet preying on women that wander. The barrier is what Kikyo made to make sure he wouldn't escape, but someone tainted it to make sure only he, his prey, and the dead could move in and out of the barrier. I've been lingering for so long now trying to make those who enter flee for their lives."

"So, you tear them apart?" Kagome accused as Satomi raised her hand.

"No, she didn't want to do that. When I was there, I sensed an anger, a part of him he left behind. That's what has been pursuing us. He uses her as a way to weaken his opponents. She started to warn me before that part took over. He's using her to relive her darkest memory. The darkness that keeps her soul here. Touching my hand with the barrier, this is the real her," Satomi said now understanding with the difference between the two energies she felt from the soul. She was trapped in this brutal cycle. "Perhaps your barrier was the only solace she had in years."

"That's so sad," Kagome said now realizing why this soul seemed so insistent with her barrier. She was drawing out the purity to keep the demon away. Satomi could see the tears welling as Inu-Yasha even looked solemn.

"Even more of a reason to kill this bastard. Demons can be brutal, but this is something else. Something far worse," Inu-Yasha said as Satomi nodded her head.

"I agree," Kagome added as she squared herself up. Everyone looked to each other in agreement. It was settled, they were going to kill this heinous demon and help this woman once and for all.

"But the barrier is an issue. Since Jiro has warped its purpose, it will be more complicated to break," Satomi said realizing their only problem with going right away.

"I can weaken it, but only for a moment," the spirit said forelornly as she pointed to a spot next to the village. "You walk to your death. However, I cannot stop you. He wishes to meet you, as Jiro has told him much about you."

"This has trip written all over it," Inu-Yasha said narrowing his eyes. "No going around it though, this is the only break we've had. Trap or no trap."

The spirit nodded and looked to the ground. Satomi could feel the regret and pain from her knowing she was being pulled behind the scenes of this trick.

"What is your name?" Satomi asked her finally.

"I have no name. It is how my soul remains with him, it is now lost to me," she said sadly as she looked to Satomi with surprise. Satomi supposed that was the first time her name was ever asked for.

"What name would you prefer? I think Akemi suits you. It means bright and beautiful," Satomi said with a smile on her face. The soul looked at her in shock.

"I am anything but those descriptions. Do you mock me?" she asked as an angry tone passed through.

"I meant it as hope. A bright and beautiful future, with peace," Satomi clarified as Akemi smiled. The thought seemed to put her at ease.

"I hope you are right, goddess," Akemi added as she went to the barrier. "You won't have much time. Head east or follow the scent. Either way you will find him. He already knows you are here and awaits you anxiously." Disappearing, a small rupture in the barrier was slight, but they took their opportunity. Sesshomaru would be there and Kohaku could handle his own. They had no time to make other plans. It was now or never.

Rushing through, the aura through the other side was thick with the smell of blood and fear. Making a shudder run through Satomi, she could feel her confidence waning. If the demon was close, that was one thing, but his presence was quite a distance to the east. To feel the aura from here, it was no wonder the village was abandoned.

"This is bad," Kagome said looking around on edge as well.

"Too late now, just stay behind me," Inu-Yasha said to his wife as she nodded her head. "You too, Satomi. I won't have Sesshomaru kill me now because you had to play brave."

Shaking her head, it was hard to argue. Satomi was hardly the one to let a man defend her when she could very well defend herself, but this aura made her sick to her stomach. All the women he tortured, their souls called to her. All of them were trapped here. No longer able to control the urge, her stomach lurched against her as she went on her knees.

Wiping her mouth with her arm, she was pale as she rose up. "I can hear them," she said as Kagome went to her side and soothingly rubbed her back. "All those women are calling out to be saved." It was nearly deafening as the voices overlapped each other. However, in the distance, she concentrated on a figure. It was Akemi.

Akemi was pointing to the east and disappearing. "Looks like we have a guide," Inu-Yasha said as he sniffed the air, putting his sleeve to his nose. "The sooner we can get out of here the better. Let's get this over with." Following her, they made their way to where she had been, and she'd appear a distance ahead keeping them on the direction of their cause.

The voices were still echoing inside of her head, but her stomach still felt uneasy even with it being emptied. Occasionally, she would feel a strong presence of a woman and it would disappear just as fast. Looking in the direction, there would be a tree soaked in red. All the trees here seemed to have some red or another on them. As if they had soaked the blood into their core. They were getting closer now.

"Welcome to my Red Forest," a man said with a cackling laugh. "Jiro told me you would be here, and I was to entertain you. He's been a fan of my art for years." A beastly demon jumped from a low bough of a tree and landed just feet from Inu-Yasha. "Ah, the half demon I heard defeated Naraku. I usually only feed on human women, but I wonder what you taste like."

His body looked much like a wolf that was feral. Standing on his two hind legs, his arms had bulk in muscle and his claws were sharp and stained with blood. His eyes were wide with insanity as he looked to the women. Dark black scraggly fur covered his body and his long tail shook back and forth in anticipation.

"Taste this," Inu-Yasha yelled out as his Diamond Tessaiga shot out his Adamant Barrage. Many of the pieces pierced the trees and Satomi could hear the cries calling out. Their souls… they were all trapped.

"Inu-Yasha! The women's souls are in the trees! Don't strike them," Satomi said as the demon looked to her in shock.

"If you haven't noticed there are a ton of trees! Damn it," Inu-Yasha yelled back as he stood in front of Kagome. "You can't tell me every one…" While he looked around, the shock came upon his face. He could smell it now even more. "You sick bastard."

"Jiro said you were clever, but to discover that so fast. You truly are good enough to eat," the demon said with a menacing glance that gave away his sick appetites.

"Your fight is with me, demon," Inu-Yasha said as he sheathed his Tessaiga. Jumping forward, he was now in hand to hand combat with the demon and at a strong disadvantage. While the demon was bulky, his strength outmatched Inu-Yasha in hand to hand combat. Everything happened so fast. Suddenly, Kagome fainted and Inu-Yasha was knocked through two trees before he too was unconscious. Satomi could feel Akemi's involvement. Was she doing what she did to Satomi?

"You'll have to go through me," Satomi said as she swirled her energy around her like a whip.

"With pleasure," the demon said as he charged forward on all fours faster than she anticipated.

Suddenly there was a figure blocking her path. His scent was so familiar and welcomed now. He did say he would always protect her, but she didn't sense he was happy with the current situation.

"Stand down, woman," Sesshomaru said darkly as he held the demon by the neck in midair. "This demon is not worth your time. Hardly worth mine, but he must not live. This place is beyond cursed."

Angry was hardly the word for it as he used his poison claws and the demon narrowly escaped gasping for air as the claw marks had burned deep into his throat.

"You're the lover of the goddess. A demon lord… you make me sick," the demon said as Sesshomaru's eyes glowed red.

"You will not speak of her," was all he said as he disappeared and reappeared to make his strike. Narrowly missing, they continued to fight, and the odds were much more balanced now. As Satomi looked to Kagome, she could see her look to be in pain. It was starting.

Scrambling over, she touched Kagome's forehead and could see what was starting. The pain of the shockwaves was just the beginning. She wasn't too late. Sensing Akemi, she was now being controlled by the demon. Even as he fought, it was rather impressive but still the hold he had on her soul was intense. Fighting back the aura of the demon, she could feel Akemi trying to push with her. She wanted to be free from his grasp. Satomi's aura was attacking any that came near as a small orb of purification grew around them. It encased them as now and all Satomi could see was Kagome on the ground, Akemi sitting on her knees beside her crying and the background was almost completely white. Shadows of the events of Sesshomaru's fight could be seen but not heard. It was so peaceful.

"You… this is your power?" Akemi asked as the tears continued to fall. "This peace?"

She didn't know what to say. Closing her eyes, she could see Akemi's torture now clearly, but she worked beyond that memory now until she found a memory of a man calling out to her. "Yuki," Satomi said with a small smile. Reaching out to 'Akemi', Satomi closed her eyes as she grabbed Akemi's hand. "You were named after the first snow in a northern village. It was the largest blizzard they had ever seen. Your father fished as your mother took care of you and your four siblings. You fell in love with a young man that was traveling through the village looking for work. Hideki was his name. You were married and in love."

"I remember now," Yuki said as she too closed her eyes. "It was so long ago. We had a baby girl. Her name was Aoi, and she was the most beautiful baby. Then the famine and sickness took them both. We lived here and I couldn't bring myself to stay or leave. That's when it happened. I was so overtaken by grief… I followed a voice that said it would all be over."

"Allow me to bring you this peace. You and all the other women beyond this hell," Satomi asked as Yuki nodded.

"I am ready to be with them again. I know you will seek our judgement." As she started to disappear into the white light, the white world they were in started to expand. Satomi's goddess garb flowed around her body as her eyes glowed a bright light. Floating in midair, she could feel her powers call out of her. They knew what to do for her as she thought about purifying all the women. Suddenly, her voice sprung out of her singing to the souls that were now being brought to their loved ones. All of them had lost something. Homes, families, their very lives. Feeling their gratitude, she knew she would have to finish this herself. Her pride would allow her nothing less.

"One day you will realize,

The stars you are chasing shine bright deep inside you,

But will you ever let it shine from within,

And cast all of your fears aside?

You'll see the light, but until that day comes

My Dearly Beloved,

Be strong, I shall be there

Always here beside you

So, keep your head held high,

The shadows of this world

Will try to steal you away into their arms

But you belong in mine"

Everything slowly started turning back to the regular scenery as the demon was angrily trying to reach for Satomi as Sesshomaru fended him off for her. Seeing the souls leave, the demon was thrown into a rage. Feral and strong, he cut Sesshomaru's face as he struggled to get through to her.

As she stood up, she looked to him calmly and appeared before him reaching forward. As she touched her hand to his chest, he feel back and gasped for air. Blood spewed from his mouth as he looked down. His body was slowly transforming into a man's. Scraggly black hair that was to his shoulders, eyes wide from not only insanity but confusion. His arms were still muscular, but his body was still deformed as he was transforming back and forth.

"He was a human once, but his sick hunger and deal with a demon made him into this beast," she said as she stood by Sesshomaru. "Jiro has partook in the devouring of these women's souls until there is almost nothing left, only to see them struggle to come back. I have heard the cries of these women and no more will I let your breath taint this sky."

As the demon looked to her in fear, he screamed in agony as his human side came to fruition. "How do you know all this?" he asked screaming at her.

"I heard, the women told me as much and your eyes tell me I know the unclouded truth. Die," she said as her battle axe materialized above him and took his life in one fatal blow. "Rest now, everyone."

Sesshomaru looked to her as she looked up at him. "I disobeyed, I suppose."

"No supposing about it," he said with a sigh as he turned around and walked to his brother. Using his poison whip he cracked the sound above his head making Inu-Yasha lurch up quickly. "But you did what you had to do."

"You bastard," Inu-Yasha yelled out as he realized what Sesshomaru had done. Looking to Kagome, he rushed to her. "Kagome?!"

"She sleeps now. I made sure no harm had come to her," Satomi said as Inu-Yasha sighed in relief.

"The air smells cleaner," Inu-Yasha noted as he took in a couple sniffs. The red was gone from the trees as well.

"I suppose it would. I just purified 526 souls," Satomi said trying to remember the exact count.

"You talk like that's a nice walk in the park to do all at once," Inu-Yasha said raising an eyebrow.

"Well, they were suffering. I couldn't let them go through life like that knowing it would continue. They deserved to be with their loved ones, not left to rot here," Satomi said with tears starting to form.

"It was foolish, but you saved them all," Sesshomaru said looking towards the mountain that was their main goal before this mess. He seemed to be sulking, but he also sounded proud of her. He was always a mystery to her.

"We should head back," Satomi said as Inu-Yasha picked up Kagome to carry her. Satomi knew the baby was fine and she was sure Inu-Yasha knew the same. Just sleeping off the slight pain of inner soul torture. Satomi knew it all too well.

As they walked back, Satomi felt a surge of pride. She did that, she saved the day. Those women were grateful, and she felt fine for doing it. Her body slowly transformed back to normal as they walked, and her goddess power surge lifted. This journey would be hard fought, but she felt no regret, especially now. Her life would be dedicated to protecting the weak. Protecting this land from Jiro's evil grasp.

Chapter 20

"So, you hone your powers by concentrating on what you want most," Kagome explained as she and Satomi rode Ah-Un together above the forest. Kohaku and Rin rode Kilala while Inu-Yasha and Sesshomaru managed on their own just fine. "For example, if I wish to purify an area, I imagine in spreading slowly and deliberately. If I wish to damage something, I imagine striking them hard and fast. If that makes sense."

"Oh, I get it! With the women I just imagined lifting their pain from the ground and helping them ascend to the sky. That kind of thing. As opposed to just letting it control me like it did in the forest," Satomi said understanding little by little more of her purifying powers. Kagome wouldn't be able to help with the goddess part but homing in the purification would help especially since they were working with a couple of demons.

"Exactly! I must say you are fun to teach because you pretty much already have it, just a few tweaks and you'll be a pro," Kagome said excitedly as she smiled ear to ear.

"Well, I wouldn't say pro, but how embarrassing would it be if I couldn't even do basic purification and I call myself a goddess," Satomi admitted as Kagome shook her head and they booth laughed. The way the trip was now, they would be at the mountain base by morning.

Nightfall was coming over the sky as the purple sunset faded into dark. The stars shone so bright and in glittering clusters, it felt like a dream to Satomi. The night she woke up from her stone sleep was similar in clarity. Taking in a deep breath, she looked up until her neck felt stiff. Looking down again, she noticed Sesshomaru's head turning away from her. He always seemed to be glancing at her inconspicuously now. Part of her wondered if he was still upset with her about making him rest. The other was a little less curious and more ravenous.

Sighing, she was looking down when she saw a source of steam. Narrowing her eyes, it was difficult to see but she pulled Ah-Un to go that direction. The rest followed, although Inu-Yasha voiced his annoyance grumbling in the back. Landing in a small clearing, it was perfect for camping. The mountain wasn't going anywhere and they were all tired, even more from their experience at the beginning of the forest.

"Why did we stop?" Inu-Yasha asked irritated and Sesshomaru also gave an unapproving look.

"Well, the mountain isn't going anywhere. We need an actual relaxing moment in this quest to win a war. I thought I saw some steam from a hot springs and the humans need rest," Satomi said looking at Kagome and Rin who was obviously ready for sleep.

"Hot springs?! Consider me sold," Kagome said as she put her hand on her lower back. Inu-Yasha instantly dropped his guard on the matter. Kagome was bearing his child, if she wanted rest, she would have it. This was already pushing her further than they all wanted.

"Only to rest," Sesshomaru said narrowing his eyes as he went and walked off out of the clearing.

Kohaku helped Rin off of Kilala and moved some logs for some seating around a place for a fire. Sesshomaru came forward with a couple of logs as Inu-Yasha vowed to grab even more. Kilala breathed fire and they were set for the evening with a fire.

"So… you said hot springs?" Kagome asked as Satomi smiled.

"I saw the steam just north of here," Satomi said as Inu-Yasha stood up.

"I'll go make sure it's safe," he said as he jumped to the other side of the clearing. Satomi couldn't help but admire his resolve to take care of his human wife.

"He wasn't always like this," Kagome said with a small laugh. Rin and Kohaku were just chatting on the other side of the fire not paying attention. "He was more brash years ago when we were younger. In ways he hasn't changed, but in many ways he did. I think it's the whole being a father situation."

"I can see where that would change someone. It's a huge deal to raise a little person in these dangerous times," Satomi said as she looked over to Rin. "For being a half demon, he understands more than you'd think. But then I suppose he would understand more than most on both sides. Sesshomaru just… he tries in a way, but he is still arrogant."

"THAT hasn't changed," Kagome said with a laugh. "He will come around. Both Inu-Yasha and I agree that he has changed already from just being around you."

Satomi thought about her words as they waited for Inu-Yasha to return. Kagome stretched out, her body already feeling the strains of early pregnancy. Satomi thought about if her and Sesshomaru were to ever be parents once more. But without knowing how he truly felt it wouldn't matter in any case. Their situation didn't warrant the thought, but yet deep down she could picture a small life together. The brutal reminder that perhaps she did want more than to save the world from Jiro. To be with him. Was that love? No, she didn't have time to think of the word and it's implications. Sighing, she saw Inu-Yasha emerge.

"Everything looks good, it's only a short walk," he announced as Rin jumped up for joy. Kagome made her way to stand up and Satomi looked around for the demon lord that resided in her mind and found nothing. Probably keeping watch a short distance away. Stubborn demon.

As the ladies made their way towards the hot springs, Satomi's mind kept wandering to the dog demon lord. With so much at stake with this war, it did her no good to think of the future with him in it. For she would not be in his. Not in this life time. Or perhaps maybe never. The thought made her think of it more, however and this relaxing bath time was turning into a rather dull affair.

Hearing Rin gasp as she stepped into the water, she was snapped out of her depressed trance as she saw Kagome and Rin look at her with worry. No doubt they noticed her mood, it wasn't like she was even trying to hide it. Honestly, she had no idea how.

"Satomi?" Kagome asked worried with a small frown on her face.

"Sorry, I'm fine. Just thinking about things is all," she said undressing herself as the other two had already done. The cool air felt brisk against her body as small goose bumps flooded her exposed skin. The contrast between the water and the air made her suck in a breath as she lowered herself in.

"You're in love with Sesshomaru, aren't you?" Rin asked as soon as Satomi was submerged to her shoulders. Her question was genuine as Satomi gasped and turned nine shades of red darker. "You're thinking about him, aren't you? You and him always protect each other although the other really probably doesn't need it. I can tell he doesn't think of you how he does other people or demons. So doesn't that mean you love each other?"

"I think love is out of the rice field on this one," Satomi said trying to escape the conversation as she grumbled. "We have an admiration, but I don't think it's what you think it means, Rin. It's complicated. He hates humans for the most part, and I am human. Despite all the goddess power, I am still human. I am here to protect you, and that is what we agree on. The other moments, when I am a goddess… I could turn against him and he would be no more. Until I can control myself, I'll always be what he hates and what he should fear as a demon. However… he has no fear."

That was what made him complicated. He didn't fear her as a demon should. Perhaps that was what made him want her in the physical sense. Power, control, and defeating a mortal enemy. Demons were weird. However, that wasn't the idea she had when he would touch her body when she was his to control. He was always patient and kind to her when they fulfilled their physical needs. While he could be crude, he always seemed to have her best interests at heart. Hers and Rin's.

"Well, I think you should both just get married already," Rin said as if that was the end of the conversation as she huffed and then smiled.

"I don't think he's the marrying type, little one," Satomi said with a small laugh as Kagome gave her a sympathetic look.

"I didn't think Inu-Yasha would be either. Give him time, you never know what might happen," Kagome said trying to make light of a dark thought in Satomi's mind.

Satomi didn't respond, just smiled sadly as she looked up beyond the tree leaves to the glittering night sky. Inu-Yasha, for Kagome's case, was half human. He probably had a call to the human tradition in a sense. Sesshomaru didn't care for the traditions of man. Hell, he hardly seemed to care for his own demon traditions having been traveling for so long on his own. Either way, it looked like it would be hopeless to think of it. Either way, her life would be shorter than intended. A long human life was a blink in demon years. His legacy would be built long after her and her sister's death. Perhaps Rin's descendants would one day see it.

The scene from her vision raced into her mind as she remained quiet as Kagome and Rin chattered in the background. Her reflection looked like herself, just strange clothes and many other strange looking people. Was it truly her, or a reincarnation of herself? What was the presence she felt in this vision? Was it Sesshomaru or something far worse looking to attack her? Whatever it was, it proved the future would be as unsafe as this moment. Threats would never die, they evolved along with everything else.

Sighing, she lost track of time as she looked over to see Kagome looking to get out. Rin close behind her. "Feel free to stay. I was just starting to get wrinkly on my finger tips and I'm starving," Kagome said as Rin nodded also hungry as she rubbed her stomach that gave out a loud growl.

"I'll be with you shortly. Just going to take a few moments," Satomi said as the two dressed and walked away. "What's the matter with me?" she whispered to herself and the wind.

"Why do you sigh so?"

Jumping from the voice, she found herself only waist deep and covering herself. Sighing from relief when she saw it was Sesshomaru, she wanted to knock him upside that pretty face of his.

"It's been a long few days, okay," she said looking away as she kept herself covered. "And your wounds… are you?"

"Obviously healed," he said not even letting a breath slip in between his and her words. "No thanks to you putting me to sleep. How did you?"

He was now on the side of the hot springs looking at her intently. Her face returned to nine shades darker as she sunk lower into the water after the wind and his proximity made every inch of her aware of her state of undress. "You would have done something you shouldn't have, and I just did without thinking or knowing I could do. You took on all that pain from me… because I wasn't aware."

"I could handle it, I am more powerful than you give me credit for. You have a purpose, and I wasn't about to let you die for anything less," he said without raising his voice and yet she could tell he was irritated. "Look at me."

Her shoulders jumped as she realized she was tearing up. Did he just keep her around for that purpose of protecting Rin or was there more? So many questions she dared not ask, and yet they choked her now. Slowly turning around, she looked at the ground at his feet. His gaze she could feel as it commanded her to look up without him saying a word. Her face obeyed his request as she felt her body relax. Sesshomaru would never harm her, she knew that. Her hands fell into the water as he stared at her with a mix of emotions, unable to translate even one she gazed back.

"Do you fear me?" he asked as he saw her eyes brimming with tears.

"No. Not you, just the uncertainty of you. I never know what you're thinking, and it kills me because I want to know. I want to know you, the real you underneath the demon lord face you put on every day. What you're like so I can understand you." There it was. A tip of the problem chipped off the top like a rock from a mountain.

"You are a strange one. I heard you speak of love earlier. Rin more so. Do you know what that is?"

The question stabbed her like a knife. "That's a rather off putting question."

"I ask because I do not know it in the context as you do. Love for demons is rare because we live for as long as we do. Staying with someone for eternity would be a literal time for us. Thus it is a different concept than it is for humans. We may love someone, but we understand it is truly not an eternal thing." Sesshomaru looked so serious when he spoke of the matter.

"You were listening?" Satomi asked now glaring slightly at him.

"I was already in the area, I thought you knew I was here," he said as if wondering about her sudden displeasure of the conversation.

"No, I did not. Can't have a female conversation with anyone privately," she said now agitated trying to keep her emotions in check.

He didn't respond, he just stared at her which she felt even with her eyes closed and rubbing her temples by the line of her hair. Sighing in frustration, it was impossible to be mad at him. He was so experienced with battle and fighting that he didn't tune into his social skills or emotions all through his life. Looking up at him, he seemed to be transfixed on her body now. Forgetting his spying earlier, which he probably did without even giving it a second thought for just about anything in his life.

Walking up to the edge, she placed her arms on the bank and he lowered himself down on a knee. His gaze met hers and they stayed like that a moment, neither moving as the sounds of the forest and the distant talk and laughs echoed around them from their companions.

"You know, I don't know what we have. But given what may happen, I just…" Satomi started as he bent down and pressed his lips to hers. Letting out a breath she didn't even know she kept in out through her nose, she leaned into his kiss and felt his hand weave through her hair. He felt the same, at least in some context. Not knowing what to call it and yet there they were.

"Rin seemed quite keen on marriage. Is that when the humans mate for life?" he asked as if trying to remember the term as their lips parted. He really could be dense.

"Your half brother got married to Kagome, and you don't know the term?" she asked as her head hit her arm with a fleshy thud. "Not surprising, but yes, that is the idea. To pledge yourself to one another so that you are claimed to the other person, I suppose on a shortened description. But I just figured you weren't the marrying type anyway."

"You aren't wrong. I never wished to 'pledge myself' to anyone. I belong to no one. However, my clan is quite possessive. Hence why Inu-Yasha couldn't give up Kikyo until her end, and why he has dedicated his life to the priestess. My father to his human woman, and so on and so forth. Wouldn't that be considered marriage on your terms?" he asked as he did seem to try to understand where she was coming from.

Given her definition, she couldn't say he was wrong. Shaking her head, she reached up to his face with her palm. He buried his nose into her wrist and just breathed her in. There was an intimacy she felt like never before with him. They were actually trying to find a common thread here and she was almost shocked by it. "Well, I suppose you are right at least a little," she said as he looked at her confused. "There's more to it, but yes, I suppose in your eyes that would be considered a marriage in human terms."

He had closed his eyes as he breathed in her scent and she just smiled. Well, that looked to be all she was getting out of him. That was enough for now. He opened up if ever so slightly, but she was curious why he paid attention to those words more than the rest of them. Perhaps maybe because of Rin, but she decided she would just have to let that one go.

"I should go back. Otherwise I may melt in here if I stay much longer," she said as he opened his eyes and almost growled. Apparently, he was enjoying himself. Ignoring his growl, she stood up and didn't even care she was naked walking past him as she put on her kimono.

"You remind me of back then," he said quietly, and she looked at him curiously before picking up her yukata to put it on. "When I first saw you exposed at the springs at my estate. You were beautiful then too." As she whipped herself to look back at him as she put her arms through her sleeves, he was already gone. Her face flushed as she walked back to the camp site, he was no where to be seen of course as she was offered fish from the stream.

One by one, they all fell asleep, but her heart beat kept pounding in her chest. He did remember then, and he wasn't a complete prude. Back then, it was like he was too good for her. Now, he made it feel that he wasn't good enough. The thought made her heart ache, but she knew it wasn't true. He was honorable and true which was rare.

Feeling a presence behind her, she turned to see him standing as he glanced down at her. Turning and sitting, he was quiet as she extended her hand forward to his that rest on the ground. He didn't refuse her touch as she wrapped her fingers around his. Smiling as she closed her eyes, she could feel his hand take hers as she lost herself into the darkness.

Chapter 21

He could feel her hand wrap around his and he felt this warmth he had never felt before. Sesshomaru hardly understood humans and emotions wrapped with them. His heart ached and yet he felt at ease. Why he decided to sit next to her in the dead of night was beyond him. Perhaps the events of yesterday, perhaps the fact she needed to sleep for tomorrow, but deep down he just wanted to feel her presence around him.

Her scent had driven him mad, there was no other explanation. And yet he didn't feel mad at all, there was a peace he never knew he wished for in her touch. Satomi looked so human as she lay there breathing in deeply. Her mind was troubled lately, and he could not think of anything to do for it. Little did he know this was the trick to her calming down. Sometimes her purity came out in whips and nearly took his breath away in less than romantic means. Honestly, he didn't know how the half breed wasn't human permanently yet.

Looking down at her, he simply stared for a time. There was little to grasp, he wasn't one to dwell on fleeting emotions. Actually, he didn't hold onto much emotion. A trait from his mother, dare he say. The cold-hearted assassin was a role he played well, and to much of an end it helped him grow as a fighter and dominant demon. Honing his skills, surpassing his father was all that mattered. Until Rin. Rin was the first person, human, that he cared about. Jaken was a subject he took responsibility for, but he was willing to punish the imp when necessary. Satomi was different from both. She was strong willed, independent, and defiant enough to make him wish he could swing his whip at her. Beneath all that, she saw through him even if she didn't fully realize it.

Looking over to Inu-Yasha who had stirred awake, he released her hand and stood up.

"Don't move on my account. I was just curious since I've never seen you so… interested before," Inu-Yasha said with a shrug as he leaned on one arm sitting up slightly from the ground. "You were less inclined to talk back at the coastal village about it too. It's whatever I guess, but she deserves to know how you feel about her."

"What business is it to you, little brother?" Sesshomaru almost snarled back as he tried to remain calm. He could tell his reaction hardly surprised Inu-Yasha, but he didn't care about human etiquette. It was lost to him.

"It isn't any. However, human women are different from demons. They have a short life span, and while you ponder over it her life is getting shorter. A second to you is a decade to them." Inu-Yasha sighed, he said his piece about it. He had no idea what his brother was thinking, but he knew when demons thought they had time it always ran out.

"That isn't the problem," Sesshomaru said as he disappeared into the forest. What did Inu-Yasha know anyway… he didn't understand that he felt as if he truly was becoming his father in less than the best way. He knew his father was powerful, and yet he fell protecting a single human woman. If he was only allowed to heal properly by a day before the night he protected her… everything would have been different. Sesshomaru knew all too well what he felt for Satomi was foreign to him and yet he could sense the similarity between how he felt and how his father acted all those years ago.

Had it truly been 200 years since his father demise? Time seemed so fleeting now that Inu-Yasha was considered a young man in the eyes of humans while Sesshomaru hardly aged at all. Hating his brother for the weakness his father showed for a mere human, and knowing they both lived out of the events that took his father's life. He had to admit occasionally, he would glance in on their lives out of spite. Nothing better to do.

That only fueled the hatred as he could see her showering Inu-Yasha with love and devotion. When the illness and famine took Izayoi's life as she grew older, it was almost satisfying to see his half brother suffer in the beginning. Finally, he knew how he felt to lose someone he cared about, even if it was different for them. However, he would never tell Inu-Yasha this, but he couldn't help to watch over the brat. After they had met one day, it was never the same. The secret was out, and they were fighting ever since.

Walking some distance, he found himself back at the hot spring where they had been earlier. Smelling Satomi's scent everywhere made his senses more aware. Her youthful and pure scent was welcomed amongst all the blood they had smelled from the events before this. How she remained as she did was beyond his reckoning. Even able to put him to sleep with a simple touch, she was truly an odd being.

Taking on her wounds wasn't the complicated part, it was understanding where she was. How someone who radiated brightness was kept in a world so dark confused him. Was that what made humans unpredictable? Humans bragged about becoming rich after being so poor. Demons that were evil stayed evil and those who were good stayed good. That's what he thought anyway. His own example was far from average. Not many esteemed demons let a young girl run about with them to their liking. Even less let a divine being into their domain alive. But he wanted her.

The thought surprised even him as it rushed into his mind. Their talk earlier about marriage was curious to him, but it boiled down to he yearned for her. The possession of her and how he didn't wish to share her with anyone or anything proved how far he had gone without even stopping it. Even more, how he didn't wish for her life to end before it was cut much too short. Her powers were growing stronger, and with it her life force became weaker. Humans were already fleeting creatures, and for the second time in his life he cared about a life ending too soon.

What he was becoming was more and more like his father. Oddly, this time instead of anger, it brought up a sense of peace. All this time, his mother's qualities of possessing a brash and aloof personality was never an issue. The passing of a human never bothered him in the least. Even less so after his father had passed. His father died protecting a human, even if it was his human 'wife'. Sesshomaru blamed her for his father's passing, but didn't he promise to lay down his life for that of Satomi's. The full circle made him smirk as he realized just how much he had changed in such a short amount of time, for a demon.

A memory sparked of the first time she kissed him. To share his energy months ago, how he avoided her because he admittedly wanted more. The energy transfers that followed, he knew what he wanted. However, when he possessed her body at the seaside town he felt even more at peace and yet troubled. She was human and yet something much more than that. A goddess. Feeling her, seeing her, experiencing her. Everything about her smelled of human from her tendencies to her strange personality. Her aura and powers were the only thing he could pinpoint as divine. With Jiro's unique ability to make barriers even the two swords couldn't break, the fact she could worried him. Jiro was not to be taken lightly and they would have to find out more. Kohaku would perhaps know more if he were to be scouting once again. However, he noticed Rin kept close to Kohaku almost as much as she did Satomi. He would have to discuss the matter with the demon hunter.

Looking to the starlit sky, he found the irony of his current situation almost amusing. Conversing with humans, protecting them, and even taking one in as a daughter of sorts. Even… caring for one as one might a lover. A mate.

"Father, if you could see me now," he said to himself as he smirked once more before shaking his head. He used to think them so different, on different levels of sorts. His father grew into a weakness, the human woman seduced him, his father would have lived to this day if not for her… a human. All for a human woman. Now, Sesshomaru felt much the same. If he was wounded and his last breath meant a chance to give her more time, he found no doubt he would.

"Is this what you meant by asking me if I had someone to protect? Is our line so cursed as to yearn for something that isn't ours to take?" He never had so many questions for a dead demon. Perhaps he just decided it wasn't worth asking because he would figure it out. Everything was solvable, he had the time and resources. However, now he had anything but time or resources. He knew nothing of his father with the goddess or even having met a goddess, let alone caring for one even now.

Sighing, he felt that perhaps his half brother turned out better for loving his own woman. Even if her circumstances were strange, the clothes she wore always made him wonder. When he was finally told the truth, it was something he had very little faith in but knew that there was something odd about Kagome. Being the strongest priestess of their time, and now bearing his niece or nephew, it would do good to excuse her from this fight. With noble demon blood and purification powers running through the child's veins, it would do well to watch the little one.

As he started back towards camp, he thought about his time with Rin and how much she had taught him about compassion. Something he thought would never come to light. Tensaiga grew more powerful because of her, his own power was enhanced, and he felt emotions he never thought possible. They both learned from each other. Now, Satomi was in his life and he felt driven to protect her, if only to preserve what she so foolishly sold away. Her sister deserved a true family.

His own family had been broken for years, the hatred of Inu-Yasha and once it had almost been repaired until Kikyo pinned him to the tree. The Panther Tribe had almost brought them together, but it would have proved useless until Inu-Yasha had the Tessaiga. With their accidental adventures together before against Naraku and even now, it was strange how much he came to actually tolerate the half demon.

Finding his way back to the camp, it was now almost dawn. It was hard to believe he was lost in his thoughts for that long, but then again he felt lighter somehow. Satomi was slowly stretching and he noticed the finer lines in her muscles as they moved under her skin. The way her hair curled when she woke up. Even more so the small smile she had for him when she noticed his approach. His heart lurched in his chest in a way he found to be unsettling. As if her very presence pulled it from his chest.

"Good Morning, Lord Sesshomaru," Rin called out as she too rose from her sleep. Everyone seemed to be on their feet and much more rested. Perhaps this stop did slow them down, but if that meant they moved faster today, he would accept the impairment to their time frame. The sooner this war was done the better.

"We move as soon as you're ready," he said closing his eyes, unable to meet her glance. He meant it towards everyone, but his world was slowly becoming much smaller revolving around her. A smaller world he couldn't help but admire. He never pictured himself to be a demon who wanted to settle with a woman. Being a demon lord, mating with a suitable demoness and having an heir was supposed to be his role. He revolted against that and decided to find power to become stronger than his father. Now, he wanted a small life with a curly haired, tired eyed goddess who just woke up from what seemed like a rather sound sleep. Life was strange, and it was only getting stranger with time.

He noted how her body moved a little faster and her blood pumped faster in her veins. He admired the heightened scent of arousal. Interesting how she seemed to be so affected by him, almost the same as he was affected by her. They both did something to each other that neither had experienced. The thought made his pride swell as he felt he was doing what he could, even if he didn't exactly what that was. The thought of her gone from his life was something he couldn't describe, and he refused to even find the words for it.

"Ready!" She called out to him in a rushed tone as he turned to her. Her soprano voice rang like a bell in his ears as she looked at him seeking approval it seemed. He nodded in response as they took to their places.

As she mounted Ah-Un, he felt himself looking to Inu-Yasha as Kagome rode on his back. While they never had before, he wondered what it would be like to share his flight with Satomi. Reaching his hand out to her, he wondered what that look of disbelief was for on her face. He understood it on Inu-Yasha and the priestess's face… but hers took him by surprise.

"It may be faster this way," he said as his voice sounded more irritated than he wished for it to. Turning his face to the side, he felt her hand brush against his. Her warm hand against his made his heart pull again.

"Well… um… sure," she said as she dismounted from Ah-Un and his cloud formed below them as they rose to the sky. He held her hand and she gripped fiercely back. Fear and amazement overtook her senses as she looked at the world from her new point of view. His pride swelled once more as he felt her fear fade away. Without even realizing it, they were going faster than he thought to do so as he soon couldn't feel the group's presence behind him. Slowing down, he wrapped an arm around her waist and continued to hold her hand. The mountain was close now, and he could feel the holy barrier around it drain his energy.

"Does it hurt?" she asked looking to him. She must have sensed the barrier too as she looked him over curiously.

"No, just unwelcomed is all," he said as she stared at him for a moment and smiled. As she reached her hand up to his face, he felt a sudden pull rip her from his grasp. Hearing her scream, but she remained unseen. As if she disappeared into thin air. Scent gone, body gone, everything gone.

He yelled out her name as the others approached. Kagome was the first to ask where Satomi was as he turned with his eyes red with anger. He didn't know what happened to her as he turned away from the group and disappeared to the mountain base. He failed her again… he didn't take well to failure.

Suddenly his primal instinct kicked in and he transformed into his full dog demon self. Tall as the trees at the base of the mountain, he fought against the purification powers of the mountain and growled at the entrance. His human form was able to hold more coherent thoughts, but he was able to let go of his thoughts and run on instinct in this form. Right now, his instinct was telling him to save her.

The others joined him at the entrance. He could hear Inu-Yasha explain that this was Sesshomaru's dog demon form and how it had been ages since he'd last seen it. True, he never had a use for it really that his humanoid form couldn't accomplish. However, this time, the purification powers were taking their toll as much as he would never admit it. Mount Hakurei was an inconvenient breeze compared to this purifying whirlwind from hell. The aura made his eyes feel on fire as he continued to growl and bark at the entrance.

Thousands of pins and needles stung at his skin beneath the fur when a sudden whoosh of air came forth. He stood strong and his eyes narrowed as another demon twice the size of him emerged. It was impossible. Never in his dreams and nightmares did he believe this could happen.

'Father?' His thoughts were deaf to the others, but his eyes widened. Inu-Yasha sensed it too although he could tell the half demon didn't truly know why. Growling at the demon, it had to be an illusion. However, when he charged at the demon, it batted him down as if there was nothing but a gnat in the air. It was real and didn't seem happy with their presence. However, there was one advantage.

The barrier came crumbling down as he could finally breathe a fresh breath of air for the first time in a day. Satomi had heightened his resistance, but this power was immense. His father had to be to blame. However, the purification was not a normal situation… unless…

Turning into his humanoid form, he looked up to the demon as he dashed back to the others. "You always did wish to meet father, Inu-Yasha," he said coolly as he narrowed his eyes once more. "Looks like he was guarding this place in death."

Inu-Yasha and Kagome looked at him shocked and Toga shocked. His demon dog form was more than impressive, he was the most powerful their race had ever seen in his prime. Of course, Bakusaiga had signified he had surpassed his father, however there was always an unseen barrier between them. Even if he was told he had surpassed the old man, it was impossible to really tell. His chance had finally come, and he was not about to pass it up. This journey had become more curious.

"Prepare yourself, Father. We will see who the stronger is," he said to Toga before he turned and looked to Kagome and Inu-Yasha. "Find Satomi. I will handle him, whatever he is." Seeing them run inside, Inu-Yasha stalled to look at him. It was no wonder he was confused, but now was not the time for hesitation. "Go!"

That seemed to snap him out of it as they went into the mountain and the demon charged at them before meeting with Sesshomaru's poison whip to the face. The wound healed instantly, but his attention was diverted. Moving faster than he ever had before, he continued to use his whip until he could no longer feel either of them nearby. Even Rin and Kohaku were at a far enough distance. Perhaps they had stayed behind when he transformed. No matter the case, he was now face to face with his arch nemesis. The one he had always wanted to defeat.

"You're no longer yourself. If you are any form of my father, prove it to me," he said as he charged again and they began their battle.

Chapter 22

Darkness had taken Satomi deep into the mountain. It was so quiet, she hear her own blood flow through her veins as she started to open her eyes. Images were coming in slow waves over her, but they were not her own. Images of a life farther back than her own started. Closing her eyes again, the images continued in a soundless blur and disappearing before coming back over and over again. There was nothing but black around her as she felt dizzy in the emptiness.

"Listen to me…," she could hear a voice say quietly in the distance. "There isn't much time…"

If her eyes were open or shut, she still couldn't see a thing. The voice sounded so soft and motherly, like a lullaby as she continued to drift in and out of consciousness. Finally, a wave of light hit her and she let her mind go.

She was in the middle of a forest, the trees light with the sun and a woman was picking flowers. Her yukata was plain and her hair long and elegant. Surely not a common woman, but she was just picking flowers. Humming a tune Satomi barely recognized, she seemed quite content with herself. Walking towards the woman, she leaned forward to touch her shoulder and realized that it was a dream. Her hand went right through her and the woman didn't so much as look back.

However, there was a disturbance in the trees with a twig snapping and she looked up quickly. Satomi felt on guard too, reflexes she supposed. The woman stood up slowly. "Whoever you are, come out now." Backing up, she put her hand in her obi and seemed to grab something, a dagger?

"I mean no harm, human," said a man with long white hair, much like Sesshomaru's and same with his armor. Another dog demon? However, this one actually seemed like he had some social skills. As he approached the woman, the memory started to fade. Being pulled from it, she was put inside the darkness once more.

Just the same, she was put into another dream. This one was in the mountains; the fog was dense as the woman walked along a narrow path. She seemed aggravated as she looked up and around. "You would do well to help me if you insist on following me. This is getting really old, demon," she yelled to the sky as Satomi floated near her. The woman's sweat was dripping down her face as she scaled the unbeaten path and forged a way through with some rock climbing in between the tighter spots.

"Your aura is different than anyone I've met," said the same demon she saw in her dreams, however, he seemed much younger and the armor was lighter. Over confident and carefree seemed to be radiating from the demon here. Different times, but the woman looked the same. Looking intently, she noticed the similar cloud that this demon sat on as Sesshomaru used. The demon seemed to be mocking the woman as he floated around her with wide eyes and wonder. Just as curious as a puppy from the looks of it.

"Yeah, well… I'm not human. I'm a goddess. A goddess of the sun actually if you must know. I'm training, so if you'd be so kind to either help or get out of the way and leave me alone, that would be great," she said as she almost slipped. Seeing the woman take in a deep breath, he cocked his head to the side.

"You smell human though," he said as she did miss her step this time. However, he reached forward and grabbed her wrist to make sure she didn't fall. "You are very interesting. I think I shall join you for now." The woman looked at him with wide eyes as she shook her head. He started to set her down near the more flat part of the path and the memory started to fade out again.

This back and forth was making her nauseous as she felt pulled in so many directions. Like all the visions were coming to her at once. They weren't her memories, but there was a likeness to the women. Same eyes, hair, and aura although slightly different in terms of energy output. The first one was definitely more human if not all human. The second felt like Satomi did.

Another memory ran through her as she stopped thinking out the differences in aura. This time they were in an open plain. The flowers were abundant as the woman danced in the fields of flowers. The demon stood back and watched quietly with an odd look to him. He looked confused to her antics. "Why do flowers make you so happy? They die soon after they bloom," he said stomping on them with a disgusted face.

The woman looked to him sadly as she placed a hand on his cheek. "That is why they bring such joy, Toga. Their beauty is fleeting so it must be enjoyed while we can still see their petals. Otherwise they turn into just a memory, or worse forgotten if no one is here to take in their beauty. Now their fleeting life will live through me and my memories," she said as he was once again wide eyed.

"The flowers are like humans then?" he asked as she nodded. "I don't think I could forget your beauty even if I tried." Her face flushed a bright red as he took her face in his hands and kissed her in the middle of all the blooming flowers. "I promise to find a way to let you live…"

Darkness again. What was this? He looked so much like Sesshomaru but his markings were different on his face. Wondering what exactly was going on she felt being dragged under again. Would it ever end or was she meant to look at this memory forever? To let her live though… it could mean a variety of things but with the previous vision it could only mean this woman went through what Satomi was going through now. A warning perchance of what was to come? The opportunity to see the folly in her hope that maybe there was a light at the end of the journey?

"Toga, behind you," she heard as she was taken to a battle. It was a battle on a mountain, this mountain? The terrain looked familiar but then if it was what Kaito had said before, Toga had met this woman long before the world they knew it had formed. Even the trees didn't seem so large now. Demon life spans were truly an amazing amount of time.

Toga dodged the energy blast from behind as the woman flew in front of him leading the charge it seemed. The demon they were hunting was burning, but it didn't seem to hinder him it seemed to energize him. They worked together so seamlessly it was like they were reading each other's thoughts. Watching them was mesmerizing and haunting. Satomi felt like something was churning in her stomach as she continued to watch. She could hear the woman yell what she was thinking "Watch out!"

Toga was blasted with an energy spear by the looks of it into his gut as he was sent flying to the mountain base. The woman followed by disappearing and reappearing next to him. His wounds were deep and he was unresponsive. "You stupid demon, how could you get yourself hurt?" she asked trying to heal the wound. He put his hand on hers and yet could barely move.

"Save your strength. We need all we can get right now," he said with a smirk, still trying to be charming as he was bleeding out onto the earth. She just shook her head and applied more pressure as her power flowed into him like small lightning bugs forming a bond to heal him. "Stubborn woman," he added as he looked above and saw the demon charge down to them. Without even batting an eyelash, her eyes turned white as she raised her hand and blasted him away while never moving her other hand to heal him. She was so powerful.

"You were saying?" she asked annoyed as she finished up healing him. As he got up, he just shook his head and smiled.

"That's my girl," he said as he left first, and she just blushed and smiled.

The scene darkened again, and Satomi was left feeling as if she was going to cry. There was a feeling she had that the next would be the last. As if hearing her, the scene changed to one of the woman lying on the ground covered in blood and her eyes blank as Toga cried over her. Begging her to live. The fight was done, her fight was done as she had promised the god. Satomi knew it in her soul. But Kaito told her she lived longer than this.

Moving closer, she wanted to help but knew she couldn't. Beside them was a demon, a small demon who also cried and another woman who seemed to be human.

"Can't you heal her?" he asked the woman as she cried even harder.

"I tried, Toga, it's like she's refusing," the human said with tears streaming down her face. "Oh…" the name had blanked out, strange. "Just let us heal you, please. Just one more day to tell me that demons aren't so bad and good things do happen if you just wait. Just one more time."

The demon child had an olive skin tone and fins for ears. He looked to her and kneeled beside her. "Please, don't die. You're like a mother to me. She was killed, my real mother. I know I told you a bunch of stories, but I promise you this is the truth. Humans hunted her down to steal her scales. They tortured her and killed her. You are the first person who ever hugged me since then and to tell me it was okay to be a kid yet. You were so patient and kind to me, please don't leave me. Don't leave us. I'll do anything! Anything!"

Just like that she was barely sucking in breath as the human leaned above the woman's body and started healing her until her breathing was even. Toga was left there to watch as tears rolled down his face. It was obvious no one was used to that as the demon child looked to him and put his hand timidly on Toga's.

"I said she was like my mother, but I suppose you were like my father. I never thought I wouldn't get the chance to tell you… but now… I know I won't lose that chance again," the small demon said as Toga put his arm around his shoulder.

"I don't know if I'd be good at being a father," Toga admitted as he looked at the woman. "She's way more qualified than I am."

"I don't think you're so bad. A little rough around the edges, but you taught me how to be powerful and she taught me compassion. You two made it work together."

The scene darkened again and they were in a small hut. There was Toga and the woman having a small dinner together, sitting on the floor next to a small fire. However, she looked so weak and frail.

"Sorry it wasn't much. I tried to get something together but my energy just isn't what it's used to," the woman said with a small laugh, as if she was about to cry though rather than humored.

"You did wonderful. I could eat this for years," Toga said trying to smile and be cheerful about it. Obviously, she knew her time was ending. But did he? Chances were it wasn't hard to guess.

"Liar." However, this time she did smile. However, as the minutes dragged on, she started to cry. The tears falling down her face as she set down her bowl. "I don't want to die. I want a life with you and the others. I want to run in the flower fields again. I want to feel like me again."

He reached over to her and pulled her close for an embrace. He closed his eyes and let her cry it out on his shoulder. This was the sight Satomi didn't want to see. The end of where everything seemed lost. The end where you knew it was coming but didn't want it to. This was how it was.

"The sunset is coming; would you like to see it?" he asked her once she calmed down.

"That would be nice," she said as he carried her outside. It was near a mountain, so high up compared to the world around them. As they sat admiring the colors, she could see the two figures of a woman and small demon walking up the terrain waving excitedly. "You gave me such peace, Toga. When I'm born again, I would want to have that life with you in it. I don't want to die, but I had such an adventure with you. You have obligations to fulfill as a demon lord, and I want to see your legacy. Maybe when I come back you'll have it all figured out. Tell them I'll be watching so they don't feel alone. Both of them."

He reached to her and kissed her as tears ran down his face. The others were running up the hill as her body slowly started to fade away, like tiny lights toward the sky.

"I'll never forget you, Izayoi," Toga said as a light lingered with them to graze their cheeks before ascending.

Going back to the first memory, everything seemed to fall in place. He didn't mean to harm her because it was 'her'. Izayoi.

"Do I know you? Wait… you seem familiar," Izayoi said unsure looking at Toga as his eyes begged for her to remember. And then, a miracle. "Toga?"

"You did come back, Izayoi. I've been waiting for you for so long," he said as she ran up to him and they embraced. He ran his fingers through her hair and closed his eyes as if everything was coming back to him and even to her as she reached up and brought his lips to hers. Tears ran down their faces as they smiled at each other.

What followed was a flash of memories, as if showing Satomi the rest of the story. A child's birth and Toga's death, along with the life Izayoi had as she raised their son on her own as a princess never to marry because of the sin she committed. The age she was when she passed with her young son next to her as she gave her last breaths.

Opening her eyes now, she felt a warmth in her lap as she floated curled up inside of a small sphere of some kind. It was small and felt furry as she was comforted by its presence. Was it this creature giving her the memories? A light flowed into the sphere and she could see it was like a small white dog with a blue circle on its forehead. The aura felt familiar as she saw its eyes open to reveal a golden color. The markings on its cheek was a bold blue and she couldn't help but ask, "Toga?"

The little dog spirit yipped as she asked its name. Suddenly, the sphere dissipated, and she was left to sit on the ground holding the small dog. It didn't feel demonic, so perhaps a piece of Toga remained here. But why? Looking around, she saw the pool of water with a figure carved into the stone above it. It was Izayoi's likeness, but that of her goddess self with a long flowing elaborate kimono. Was this her resting place? Who would have carved this? Toga? This mountain where her final fight took place was Satomi's guess. She was so deep in the mountain, she couldn't even sense Sesshomaru or the others.

"I suppose you wouldn't know the way?" she asked the dog spirit and it wiggled out of her arms and started running the opposite way. "Go figure." Running after it, it would stop just long enough for her to see it and continue running full on once more. As they went further, something felt demonic ahead. Not only the air but the land itself. This land should have stayed pure thanks to Izayoi's power. Juro no doubt had some role to play.

"You know… that kid looked an awful lot like Inu-Yasha. He never did mention his mother, but if I had to guess. Wait…? If that was his mother, then his father knew of her long before he ever knew Sesshomaru's mother. Unless if it's some weird dog demon thing to know who you're marrying super early on, but it didn't sound like it in the visions. This is so confusing. So you're telling me Inu-Yasha's mother was the goddess from before but the actual one who gave birth to him was the one he met way after. So he's the offspring of a super powered up demon and a reincarnation of a goddess. Does he know?" she asked the dog spirit and he just yipped back to her contentment as he continued running forward. "Why do I even bother? I swear talking to dog demons is like talking to a brick wall."

She could finally see the exit as they ran even faster. Hearing a commotion, she could still not sense a thing as to what was out there. Demonic energy sure, but there was a block to it. As if anything specific was distorted. Sighing in annoyance, she charged through until she could see Sesshomaru fighting a large dog demon. It looked like a large version of the little guy that lead her through the mountain.

Suddenly, it was as if the demon sensed her and charged fully at her, completely disregarding the fact that he was in the middle of battle. Inu-Yasha and Kagome were further down the base as she had her arrow drawn back and his Tessaiga was ready for battle. Reaching up her hand, Satomi felt the demon stop as its nose touched her hand. "Toga?" she asked quietly as he snarled and then gave a small whimper. "You've been protecting her all this time, haven't you?"

Another whimper ensued as he laid down before her. Sesshomaru and the other looked at her in wonder as she pet his snout. Regret poured from his aura as she moved to just below his eye. "You protected her well, Toga." Seeing his eyes divert from hers, she put her hand soothingly on his nose again. "Come with me and I can help you. A demon did this to you, didn't he? Made you attack us. Your sons."

He growled harmlessly again as she thought that was the problem. There was a glow that covered him as he slowly disappeared and the small demon spirit glowed. A small child's voice sounded in her head. "I am not worthy of the name of my past life. Call me Yaken, an ownerless dog is what I am. However, I shall assist you in the ways I can, goddess. Thank you for bringing my sons. Perhaps I couldn't be a good father, but I can at least help them finish this task."

As Yaken approached her, he yipped at her feet as if nothing had ever happened. Jumping into her arms as she opened them wide, he was quick to snuggle into her as Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. No doubt he knew who this demon was, making this all the more awkward as she just shrugged and smiled. Inu-Yasha approached and looked at Yaken curiously. "So, that demon was that really father?" he asked as Sesshomaru turned away.

"A part of him," Satomi said as she pet Yaken behind the ears. "The part that stayed to protect the goddess. There's a lot I saw there. Some you may wish to know." It was strange to be in this situation, but she couldn't help but smile. The story was grim, but now she could see there wasn't everything to lose. Although Toga did end up dying to protect her and she was left to raise their son, who stood before her now, alone, there was something sweet about how life gave them the chance to be together once more. Perhaps that was all that was needed was a chance to let life play out.

"So Yaken is…?" Inu-Yasha asked pointing to him as Yaken panted and twitched his ears.

"The purified form of Toga to be technical," she said as Inu-Yasha eyed up the little guy. Kagome of course rushed to her side and started petting Yaken as well.

"He's so cute," Kagome gushed as both sons seemed extremely annoyed.

"I will not call that thing my father," Inu-Yasha said turning around as Yaken seemed oblivious.

Sesshomaru walked over to them and narrowed his eyes at Yaken, taking him by the scruff. Yaken growled slightly as Sesshomaru held him in midair.

"I know you and your fondness of mortals. Keep her out of this and I won't roast you for our dinner," Sesshomaru said as Satomi reached forward for Yaken.

"You don't have to be mean, there's a lot to tell you all and you might think differently if you know. I offered for him to come with." Satomi said as Sesshomaru shook his head.

Sesshomaru sighed with annoyance. "You're too naïve. I know this demon more than you do. He may be a part of my father and that's how I know to not trust him completely."

"Well, in this fight, I'll take all the help we can get. I feel I can trust him and if you can't then I'll take responsibility." Having her mind set on this decision, she nodded her head as Kilala, Kohaku, Ah-Un and Rin came into view from the sky.

"Have it your way. If it comes back to haunt us, don't say I didn't warn you. We head East," he said as he flew up seeming to be unhappy with her idea. Just when he seemed to be understandable, another wall was put up. Holding onto Yaken, he whimpered against her as the group settled into who would ride Kilala and Ah-Un. Riding on Ah-Un with Rin, Satomi wondered if this was truly so bad. She knew there was not the best relationship between Sesshomaru and his father, but if he knew… perhaps she couldn't heal the bond but at least help.

Chapter 23

Satomi dazed out as she rode on Ah-Un with Rin. The events that happened were enough to make her head feel as if it was going to break open. Communicating with Izayoi and 'Toga', or rather Yaken, had taken its toll. Her body felt as if it was floating and her mind wished to sleep for days. Perhaps that was what it took after talking to the dead goddess and purified great dog demons. Faintly, she could hear Rin talking to her, but the words seemed muffled.

"… Satomi…SATOMI?!" Rin finally yelled to Satomi as Satomi shook her head and tried to clear her mind. "Are you okay? You don't look like yourself."

"I'm… fine. Just tired is all," she responded as Yaken's ears went down and he growled in disapproval. Satomi just narrowed her glance at him as he sighed seeming to let this lie of hers slide. However, Sesshomaru now had his attention on her. Slowing down to glance at her face, he too narrowed his eyes. Father like son in this case, she supposed.

"There is a place we can rest," he said as the entire group almost stopped from a heart attack. Satomi's eyes widened as he even suggested they slowed down. Guilt washed over her until she saw his chin gesturing up. There were demons up there. Many demons, not hostile, but she was suddenly more nervous than guilty. Yaken didn't seem thrilled either as his ears flattened again. "While we are there, I believe you require answers, as does Inu-Yasha as you said before. If we are to fight, I cannot afford to have your doubts cloud you."

And there was Sesshomaru again. However, he was all too correct. Even as Kagome scolded him. "You could be a little kinder about it. Here we thought you actually cared, you crabby old goat!" Satomi couldn't help but smile at her words, even as Sesshomaru was less than amused. However, she didn't need or want kindness, he spoke the truth and she needed to hear that the most.

Shaking her head, she looked to Kagome. Her eyes were weary, but her heart was set. "It's okay. He's right, unfortunately. This fight will require my concentration and strength. And there is something that needs to be said. But this is hardly the place."

Inu-Yasha hadn't said much which was strange, but he knew something was up. No one mentioned his mother, let alone some stranger that never knew of her before. His brother's lover of all things. Did he want to know what she saw? His mother was less than a popular topic, even with Kagome whom he trusted with everything. This one tiny piece of his life she didn't know much of was his to protect, his memories of Izayoi were short lived as she was human and he was destined to live longer. He remembered the years as she grew frail and he hardly aged a day. He came back from the past memories with a somber look on his face as the group followed Sesshomaru beyond the clouds.

Kohaku remembered this place, he had been here with Sesshomaru when they went to the netherworld. Or rather the path to it. Rin died here, and that made him nervous although he knew there was nothing to be nervous about. Sesshomaru's mother was hopefully not up to another test of her son's strength and will, at least regarding Rin. Kohaku thought even Sesshomaru may kill the woman after that. Sesshomaru was not one to be taken lightly when he devoted himself to the protection of others. Perhaps that was a dog spirit regardless if it was demon or not.

As the clouds finally broke, there was a manor in the sky. Rather an entire compound, levels and levels with guards at every one. Green hakamas and haoris with even darker green armor. Spears and swords with every guard and they bowed to Sesshomaru as a woman sat in a grand chair at the top of a seemingly never-ending flight of stairs that faded into the clouds now below them. The woman did not move as they landed just before the flight of stairs in front of her.

"I see you have brought quite the crowd today, even your father's son with the human woman. My, my this is quite a treat," she said with amusement as she leaned her head to the side resting her elbow on the arm of the seat and her chin on the palm of that same hand. "We have not had the pleasure of meeting. I am Toga's first wife, Sesshomaru's mother."

Kagome and Inu-Yasha stared at her, it was obvious he didn't know what to say or how to act with her. She didn't even radiate a hint of annoyance at his presence, it was more like fascination. However, there was no excitement despite her words. Satomi could tell where Sesshomaru got his lack of emotion. Toga seemed so full of emotion, she wondered how this pairing came about. It seemed obvious when looking at the relationship between the former goddess and Toga, and even Izayoi. Demon would forever elude her knowledge at this point. Strange beings they were though, there was no denying that she was the lady in charge here. They were just on her turf, that much was for sure.

"Perhaps while I have you here, you could explain what she is doing here." Getting up, she looked at Satomi harshly. "Divine beings in our compound, you must be joking. While you are my son, I cannot allow such reckless behavior. I have many lives to protect here and her presence harms that promise that I have made to our kind to protect them. Even if you are the heir to this legacy, I will not allow foolishness. Now explain this to me."

"Mother, we do not have time to discuss this here. I will take responsibility. She needs to rest if we are to defeat the demon in the north," he said walking up the stairs to her his voice full of authority despite knowing full well he had very little.

"Ah, yes I have heard of this vermin. Very well. If you take responsibility, I suppose that is up to you. Please make yourselves at home," Sesshomaru's mother said as she gestured to the sliding door that slowly opened for them. That seemed almost too easy, did she really not care or did she just want her son to take responsibility so it was off of her hands. Either way, her gaze met with Satomi's for a moment before moving on.

Elegant and graceful, she led the group through the halls of the compound to a large room meant for gathering it seemed like. Tatami mats lined the floor as a large kotatsu sat in the center. Through the walls, the smell of food waved through the air tantalizingly calling to their stomachs. However, even with the smell of food, everyone remained very quiet. There was an uneasiness with everyone except Sesshomaru.

Satomi looked back to Inu-Yasha who looked as if he was going to pounce on anything that moved as Kagome tried to soothe him with her hand on his arm. Rin didn't seem too bothered, but Satomi could sense something about this place made her uneasy. Kohaku was the same, looking for any threat. Wondering what she was missing, Satomi just looked to Sesshomaru but of course his face gave nothing away.

"There will be food and refreshments sent in shortly, in the meantime please refrain from leaving this room. Your presence may cause an upset until the official word is given that we have guests. The guards will provide you with whatever you wish. You may be the sons of Lord Toga but your presence brings calamity at such a time the world is in an uproar. We will fortify this compound, I simply ask for your patience," the lady said as she walked to the door. As it closed behind her, Sesshomaru let out a sigh as Inu-Yasha ran to the door in anger.

"What the hell, lady?" Inu-Yasha said before an energy surge sent him back across the room.

"It seems she is not in a good mood today," Sesshomaru said as everyone looked to him confused.

"A good mood? She seemed just fine a minute ago," Kagome said tilting her head curiously as she scratched her chin seeing Inu-Yasha was fine getting up to stand by her.

"I'm sensing a mother like son moment here," Satomi said with a sigh as Sesshomaru shot her a glance before returning to his calm façade. Yaken whimpered as he looked around the room, panting and walking to the side where the smell of food was coming from. Sitting in front of the door, he didn't seem worried and Satomi relaxed a little more. "At least we have food coming. The last time we had a full course meal was before we left the Southern lands. I don't sense outright hostility, and if my being here is causing an uproar then I suppose we should just sit and wait."

"I suppose a divine being in a demon compound does imply issues," Kagome said as Satomi sat down at the table. Following her lead, Kagome sat across from her. Rin and Kohaku followed as Inu-Yasha and Sesshomaru remained standing on alert. Even if Sesshomaru said all was well, Satomi knew better than to trust his words alone. His body language implied that here too could be dangerous. Leaning forward until her forearms rested on the table, Satomi's exhaustion rose.

"I'm just a heap of issues, let's not even lie here," Satomi said with a small smile as she shook her head. Before anyone could say different, Yaken came bounding into her lap and the food came into the room with guards in green uniforms. They seemed nice enough although they didn't say much. Rice, fish, dumplings, steamed vegetables, chicken, there was a little of everything offered as the settings were laid at the table. As the guards left, everyone looked to the food in hunger and weary at the same time of it.

"It wouldn't be poisoned," Sesshomaru announced calmly. "She doesn't want us dead, yet."

"Just because she's your mom, doesn't mean I'm all for it," Inu-Yasha said as they glared at each other.

"Watch yourself, half breed." Sesshomaru tensed up as if waiting for Inu-Yasha to strike.

"Seriously, here you two?" Satomi said annoyed as both brothers looked away from each other. Yaken gave a breath of air as he laid down next to Satomi on the tatami mat. "Unbelievable. You'd think you'd be done with all the stupid fighting by now."

"Been like this for years, sadly," Kagome chimed in as both women sighed.

Inu-Yasha's face was red as Sesshomaru's gave nothing away. He turned even further as Inu-Yasha came by the food. "Let me go… first…" he started to say as he watched Satomi grab her chopsticks and go for a huge pile of rice. Putting it in her mouth, she felt as if she could fly it tasted so good. Not too hot, although it was steaming yet, but not cool at all. Perfect temperature. Next came the dumplings and by that time Rin was laughing and helping herself as well.

"Well, you were saying, hero," Kagome said with a giggle as Inu-Yasha shook his head. His face was red once more as they all dug into the food and started chatting again.

Sesshomaru looked to the group as they all chatted and ate. It was obvious his mother disliked Satomi's presence although he felt the true meaning was unclear yet. A divine being under his permission should not have made her act as she did. The power that kept them in the room was not powerful, and in all actuality, it had left after everyone became distracted by the food. His mother had done her informing, she would just wait to tell them for her own entertainment. Ever finding things to entertain her time before Sesshomaru would settle into his role. He had a feeling that conversation would be coming up again during their stay.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" An old familiar voice yelled down the hall as Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow noting the familiarity. The door flew open as Jaken breathed heavily, tears running down his face as Sesshomaru's mother remained behind him. "Your Lord Mother wouldn't tell me where you were!"

"The little beast wouldn't keep it's mouth shut," she said with a sigh as she cleared her throat. Jaken running to bow to Sesshomaru and sob at his feet.

"Jaken!" Rin said happily as she ran over to him giving him a huge hug. "I missed you very much."

"Little girl, I do hope you weren't any trouble for Lord Sesshomaru…"

"Why are you here, Jaken?" Sesshomaru said harshly as he looked down at Jaken with a glare.

"Oh… Well… there is no longer a manor to guard. A strange demon appeared out of nowhere and destroyed it with a single blast and went away. This was some time ago, I thought you would have gotten word. However, you did not return and I was forced to find a way here, hoping you would arrive."

"See, I couldn't have you running around like fools. This poor beast needed to see its master," Lady Mother said as if that was her plot all along.

"I'm so sorry, mi'lord! I tried to defend it, but… Master?" Sesshomaru left the room as Jaken looked to him.

"Were there any survivors besides you?" Satomi asked getting up shakily as Yaken walked beside her watching her every move.

"Not many I'm afraid," Jaken admitted as he looked back to the ground. "Whoever managed to escape came with me here."

A solemn silence filled the room. The home was attacked before but why again and so swiftly? Rin looked sadly to Satomi as she stood up. Their home with Sesshomaru was now gone. Although they could rebuild, the memories could never be picked up where they left off. The night garden, the hot springs… the vast mountains, all of it gone.

"We could build again, right?" Rin asked with a small smile. She had everything taken from her so many times, Rin was always such a ray of light in these dark times. Satomi nodded as she reached for Rin and pulled her close in an embrace.

"Of course, if Sesshomaru wishes it to be done," Satomi said as Sesshomaru's mother eyed them curiously.

"Still so informal… human," Jaken said scoffing at Satomi again. Honestly, she almost missed the little imp.

"Good to see you too, Jaken," she said as he 'hmph'ed and left the room to follow the direction Sesshomaru went to.

"Well, now that you have ate, there are rooms ready for you. The manor is aware of your presence but be aware that this is our compound. With this attack on my son's home we are on full alert. I will have a guard escort you to the rooms provided." She left again as a couple of guards came from behind her bowing as she went the opposite direction than the guards were taking them.

As the group left the large room, Satomi could hear someone whispering to her. It sounded like a young man's voice but it was so quiet it was hard to tell. Yaken was now walking briskly at her side and she wondered if it was maybe his voice. The visions left her not knowing what was reality and what was not. 'You are going into your next phase, my dear. Much like the moon, this too shall pass,' Tsukuyomi said reassuringly, that voice she couldn't escape from. 'Your power is growing faster than your body can accept it, but that comes with a price of being too good at your job.'

She wanted to groan at him but didn't think that would work out well with everyone not knowing this little voice in her head. He had been so quiet for so long that it was only a matter of time before he opened his mouth. However, Izayoi lingered in her mind. She had told Inu-Yasha she needed to talk to him, but she couldn't find the energy. As he didn't press her for information, perhaps he didn't want to know. After all, his mother passed long ago. She was so spirited and powerful, and even she died against their enemy. What gave Satomi the right to hope for anything different.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, the world went dark. Cold, everything felt frigid as she felt her body hit the ground. The exhaustion finally caught up with her as she let her mind slip away into the cold darkness. Until suddenly it wasn't so cold. There was warmth around her and a sense of calmness. Finally, she felt she could rest once more in peace as her mind sorted through the many events and memories she was witness to.

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Sesshomaru had appeared just after she hit the ground. Picking her up tenderly, he walked quickly past the guards who were still escorting before they could say anything. She was frozen, like a corpse. How he didn't see her energy down to nothing before had made him angry at himself. As the group tried to rush behind him, Kohaku held out a hand to slow them down.

"Let them be," he said calmly as the group looked worried down the hall as Sesshomaru rounded the corner and went out of sight. Kohaku knew about Sesshomaru's feeling, he bore witness to such an event once before, ironically here as well. Although Sesshomaru would never admit it, there was a look of fear in his eyes, much like when he was told Rin could not be brought back to life years ago. Kohaku remembered well, and the demon needed to deal with this on his own.

While it had been many years since Sesshomaru had resided here, he still had his own quarters that he took Satomi to as her body felt limp in his arms. He was losing her and he refused to let her go. He disappeared and reappeared into his large quarters. A large bed was in the middle of the room looking over the large doors that went to the balcony. Laying her down, he leaned over her and pressed his lips to hers. He remembered giving her energy when she first received her powers. Perhaps that was what she needed now was his energy. However, there was no difference in her temperature.

"You're on the right track," a voice called out to him. Looking to the edge of the bed, he saw Yaken looking at him curiously.

"Get out of my sight," Sesshomaru barked furiously as he tried to press his lips to hers again, but Yaken wouldn't move. "I swear even if you are the spirit of my father, I will murder you in the worst way possible…"

"Stop threatening me and listen, fool. The visions she saw drained her yes, but her energy is advancing too much for her body to handle. If you push more energy into her, don't you think that's the last thing she needs. The energy before was like a channeled push, but what she needs now is a slow wave, if you will. Contact is what she needs, a slow even, tempered contact. A heated kiss will only make things worse for her now, especially with your temper," Yaken said as he walked casually to the base of the bed and sat away from Sesshomaru's direct fury.

"How do you know this?" Sesshomaru asked skeptical.

"I have a direct contact with her mind now, and the Moon God is being quite helpful. He needs his host alive, so he told me to inform you this since I was available. I'll leave you two love birds alone now as you cuddle your lady," Yaken said as he bound out to the balcony with a chuckle and Sesshomaru lashed his poison whip at him in a threat.

A slow wave of contact… he thought as he slowly undid his armor and haori. Leaving his hakamas on, he undid her yukata just enough to expose her shoulders. Cuddling was not something he was accustomed to… and the way his father made it sound was not appealing to his mind at all. His father giving any physical contact advice made him almost sick to his stomach. However, as soon as he laid next to her, he felt her body warm in the slightest.

Moving his body so that his chin was resting in her hair, he held her close. If this was what it took to make her live, then so be it. However, it felt more than that. His chest hurt as the realization he almost lost her came crashing over him. Almost losing Rin here, and now almost losing Satomi… his father's blood ran through his veins and he couldn't even deny it anymore. This mortal won him over, heart and soul. Not the goddess, not the power, but this vulnerability she had even though she was strong. Strong and weak, it was his black and white world. Annoyingly though, she made everything grey and colorful at the same time. Strength was part of it, but her weakness made him wish to be stronger. Before he knew it, his own eyes slowly closed.

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"Sesshomaru?" he heard Satomi call out in the darkness of his dreams. Even though he opened his eyes, he knew he was still sleeping. He looked and saw Satomi's figure sitting over a lake with the moon full and lighting her features beautifully in her goddess garb. Long flowing fabric of green and white with a crescent moon on her forehead. Her profile was enchanting as she turned her head to look at him. "So, you are here after all."

"Yes, I thought I lost you," he said before she smiled with such warmth in her eyes. Her body seemed to float to him as she embraced him. He didn't know what to do with such affection for a moment that he was frozen. However, he noticed his armor and swords were not attached to him. Another sign this was a dream.

"Do I frighten you that much?" she asked teasingly. "I can only do this in my dreams, but usually you aren't here with me, literally." He remained silent as he didn't know what to say. "I'm so tired, but I don't feel so cold. Is that your doing?"

"I think so," he said as his arms slowly wrapped around her.

"It must be, it feels the same now," she said burying her face in his chest.

Looking down, his hands were covered in red. Startled, he moved away suddenly as he saw her clothes and body covered in deep wounds as blood flowed out of her. She reached out to him, but when he tried to move closer again her body disappeared and all that was left was her tattered clothes and blood on the floor and on his clothes.

"Satomi!" he called out to her, but she was nowhere. He could sense her, but everywhere he looked and smelled was the same. The lake was calm but slowly from the point where he stood at its shore, it turned red with the smell of her blood until he felt sick from it.

A spirit appeared in the middle of the lake looking to the moon, he knew it was her. He disappeared to reappear next to it, but it was useless. Floating in the air, he looked around but couldn't see her again. Feeling a hand on his arm he looked and saw her crying as she remained at his side.

"Please don't forget me…," she said as he tried to embrace her when her body slowly disappeared.

His eyes shot open as he was in his chambers once again. Satomi was next to him, still sleeping as sound as could be but he checked her breathing anyway. Peaceful. Was it their shared dream or his nightmare… if it was shared, she didn't seem as shaken up as he was. Placing his cheek on her forehead, she seemed to feel normal in terms of temperature. Letting his muscles relax, he could feel her energy returning at a slow rate yet. Sighing, he wondered when someone would walk in, unless if this spirit of his father was useful and blocked the doors. However, there wasn't much that he could do until she was back to full health. And so he waited.

Chapter 24

"My lord! Your mother requests your presence," a guard announced outside of the door. Half a day had passed and while Satomi looked to be stable, he found it difficult to leave her. Having half a notion to kill the guard crossed his mind. Luckily, the guard took his leave before Sesshomaru could fulfill that notion.

Putting his haori and armor back on, he found himself glancing at her more and more. A part of him hoped she would awaken, the other part found peace watching her sleep. This admiration for her still confused him, however he couldn't deny that peace in a place that knew only war. This land, his soul, his mind, and body all knew war and battle too easily. Rin gave him solace, a person worth protecting. Satomi gave him peace, the quiet peace of a sunset and sunrise as the world stood still for even a moment. The peace of a slow rain that washed away the dirt and blood after battle. A life worth dying for.

A life. That's what he wanted with her. He never wanted Rin to go, that pained him to know that some day she would pass on as all humans do. The notion he would ever have to let her go was one thing. However, Satomi made him want to live a life where he could fulfill her wants and desires with just a request. Oh, how he had changed in the years that had passed since pulling the pearl from Inu-Yasha's eye, meeting Rin, going through his father's trials, and now this. A life he didn't ask for was now one he didn't want to let go.

Walking out of the room, he gave one last glance before turning forward and seeing Yaken scratching his ear. Tilting his head up, he cocked it to the right as if waiting for orders. "Watch her. If anything happens to her, I'll kill you," he said leaving the area with Yaken giving a confirming bark in response. That was one less thing to worry about as he passed guard after guard who bowed to him. He sensed the others were waiting with his mother. Never did he think Inu-Yasha and his mother would meet. Honestly, it was a strange notion he never thought he wanted to happen. However, given the circumstances it seemed unavoidable.

The doors were slid opened for him as he approached. A grand throne was in the middle of the room where his mother resided. Rin and Kohaku were behind Inu-Yasha and Kagome on one side. Jaken was on the other side of the throne. They all looked to Sesshomaru with worried emotion, and he didn't understand.

"We have little time to explain but that demon you are hell bent on killing is on his way, it seems," his mother said with her usual calm nature. "Your divine friend seemed to have caught his attention. Being as you took responsibility to the danger coming to our people, I will let you handle the situation as I warned you against this."

"Have it your way," he said matching her tone. Did Jiro somehow know of Satomi's nature? Perhaps Jiro was more sensitive to divine power levels than himself. Either way, there was little point in wondering. He was coming here, so there wouldn't be much time to prepare. "Inu-Yasha, if he brings reinforcements, I will need you to fight them off. Kagome do what you can to heal. Kohaku and Jaken, protect Rin. I will face him on my own. Mother, I will need our elite guard."

"If they die, it is on your hands. As a leader you must accept this," his mother said warningly as a guard approached her.

"They know what it means to be in our guard. I accept death is inevitable in battle, I can only hope they do as well unless if things have changed that much," he responded annoyed that she would doubt his knowledge of battle and death. He caused too much of it to back down now.

"So be it, they will be assembled at the entrance for your orders, my son." Taking her leave, she stood and walked from the room. "I will be with the women and children in the central compound." Leaving no room for debate, the doors slid shut firmly.

"Well, this should be interesting," Kagome said with a shaky tone to her voice. "Can't help but wonder how he knew she would be out of commission. His message was very cryptic and unsettling." Holding the scroll in her hand, Sesshomaru looked to her as he extended his hand out. Snatching it away as she offered it, he opened and read quickly as his eyes narrowed.

Dog Demons of the West

Well well, it has been fun getting to toy with the new Dog Demon Lord, but I'm getting tired of sitting on the side lines.

I wish to see if he's really all that is rumored about him considering his manor was easy enough to burn down.

As for his lovely goddess, she slumbers now so it shall be fun to see what he's made of without her interfering and ruining the fun.

If he dies, then the West shall bow to me.

Let's see if the dog has a bite as bad as his bark.

His hand started to glow green as it disintegrated the scroll down to the floor. "Who delivered this?"

"It was on the chair when your mother called on us. Given the message, that's when we called you," Kagome said quietly as she stepped behind Inu-Yasha as Sesshomaru's eyes flashed a red glow before returning back to normal.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

'Well, that was interesting. Turns out this is progressing faster than I wished it to.' Tsukuyomi watched in the distance. He was letting her have his power, but the human side was always a problem. As a full-fledged god he could live forever if he wished to. Her human side was realizing its mortality as more power grew inside of her. He wondered if perhaps she would choose to be a goddess and embrace that part of her fully. Maybe that would be the one way to avoid the death. Toss away the humanity to live forever bound to a purpose. However, that didn't seem like her way to live. Her soul needed rest, and he sensed that now more than ever.

Satomi remained in her dreams even as Sesshomaru disappeared. Tears continued to fall, but she didn't know if it was from the pain of her wounds or the sudden rush of emotion that overtook her. Her death was inevitable, but to see that she couldn't do anything was even more miserable. She was there in her dreams wondering when she would wake up. However, no end was in sight. The warmth was still there from his embrace, but she was left alone by the lake with the moon shining above it.

Looking up at the moon, she wondered if it felt as lonely as she did. Stars all around and yet its brightness seemed to dim them. Never truly thinking herself as a moon before, but it made sense even before she became the moon goddess. A loner with no cause but her own, changing her life so many times that she lost count with the different phases of her life, and always feeling the darkness around her no matter how bright she could shine.

Looking down at her hands, she could see how they were translucent. Satomi knew she would die at the end of these events, that was never an issue for her to face. However, that didn't stop the fear from shivering up her spine. All this time she thought she could face death and yet she was scared. Before, she could live with the fact that if Rin could just live her life out in peace then her death would have meaning. There was so much more now that was at stake. She had a life worth living.

Somehow, thinking that made her feel lighter and the pain ease away. A small smile graced her face as she realized she wasn't truly alone. Sesshomaru, always the protector even if he was gruff and stoic most of the time. Rin, her only family left who brought her back from the darkness more times than she could count. Kagome and Inu-Yasha for helping guide and train her and always willing to make her laugh. Kohaku for his few meetings with her made her feel as if her little sister would remain safe and he would do anything he could to protect Rin. These people made her life worth living.

"You are truly blessed by the gods, even if you don't see it," Tsukuyomi made his appearance to her as he floated down and inserted his hands in his sleeves with a coy smile as he nodded to her.

"Maybe just a little," she said as she looked down at her hands again and they were back to normal. Her clothes were not stained in blood as she looked them over. She was in her goddess form, but she felt different. More aware now and less held back. "Are you up to something again?"

"Not quite, this was all you. I gave you my power, you're just waking up and seeing its value I suppose. Typical human, always slow to grasp the severity of the situation until you have an emotional break," he teased as he reached out to touch her cheek. He didn't wish her to die, that much was certain. She was far too talented to be wasted on death. However, he had a plan. A plan that perhaps wouldn't benefit this life, but the next. "You are loved far more than you know. Take it from a god who sees everything you do not."

She nodded against his hand and smiled as tears started to well up again. His words meant more to her than she realized. "But I will die, won't I?" she couldn't help but ask as his expression said it all. "All I ask is when it happens, I won't be alone." A small hitch in her breath escaped her as the tears fell over her cheek and along his knuckles. To her surprise, she felt herself being pulled forward and embraced by the god.

"If I allowed myself to love you, that demon would have no chance in hell," he said as he brushed his lips against her cheek. Startled, she pulled away and touched the place he tenderly kissed. Her face turned so many shades of red her cheeks almost stung. He grinned like a cat who just had a bucket of milk and she sighed and laughed.

"Demons, gods, humans. I really am turning into quite the oddity," she said running her fingers through her hair in a nervous response. Everything felt so surreal and strange, and yet as if this was how it was supposed to be. A strange pull at her heart told her she wasn't imagining this feeling of familiarity.

"Not an oddity, it was your destiny set into motion a long time ago. Truly you are one of the very few to break the mold of all three. A demon fueled your energy because of your kindred connection, you are mortal, and I bestowed you with my abilities. You are on the brink of learning how to mold all three into your own instead of needing guidance. However, I pity the way you will learn how," Tsukuyomi said as his face turned from hopeful to pitiable.

Without warning, metal chains emerged from the ground and wrapped their way around her legs, arms, and waist. Pulling her to the ground, she felt as though they would break her bones if they could go any tighter. "What's happening?" she struggled to ask as her head was now pinned against the ground. Her fingertips and toes were the only parts of her able to move as she struggled to find some sort of weak point. There wasn't, and her hair turned from gold to brown. Mortal again and her body began to feel the change.

Crack. A lower rib fractured as the chain tightened as she struggled. Crying out in pain, she didn't understand what was happening. Looking to the god that was supposed to guide and help her, she didn't recognize the garb anymore. The aura had changed completely as if he was cast out. How was that possible? They were in her own mind and yet…

"Satomi, alone at last." The voice she wished to never hear again. Jiro was there in her mind. Closing her eyes, she tried to will him away and yet his steps grew closer. "Don't be afraid my dear, I am enjoying my time with your friends. However, I wanted to see you and enjoy our own time together. Your demon dog is particularly fun."

Chains tightened and her wrists started cracking under the pressure. Instantly she could see one turn purple as she opened her eyes to see him propped up on his elbow on the ground with his hand under his head. As if he was enjoying a peaceful day after working hard in the rice fields.

"Loss for words," Jiro said with an innocent shrug. "Don't worry, soon you won't have to worry about speaking ever again. Your demon dog will not last much longer at this rate. The others are useless. That demon slayer boy is as bad as a gnat and your sister… that was quite fun to figure out. Well, your sister will make for quite the prize. For all you and that dog put me through, you can bet she will be treated so well she will wish for death."

Her body started to jolt as he talked about hurting Rin. He continued on about all the things he would do to her as she screamed in agony as the chains tightened. Cracking and breaking surrounded her, but she would fight until she had nothing left. "… Oh but I won't kill her. That would be too easy, and you've been too much of a thorn in my side. Die now and I will prevent her from enduring this fate. Bow before me then die. That's all it will take."

Death sounded better. Her body gave into the darkness as her ribs cracked and blood filled her lungs. Suffocating wasn't pleasant, but she didn't see Jiro. Rin was there with her beaming smile. Death was now a pleasant dream as everything faded to black.

"SATOMI!"

Waking up from her sleep from Rin's voice, she looked around and saw nothing but the surroundings of an extravagant bedroom and she was alone. However, the energy from the outside was sickeningly familiar. Going out to the balcony, she saw them fighting. Sesshomaru still holding his own as the others seemed to be recuperating. Rin was with them helping Kagome as much as she could.

Looking beyond the fight, she could see what Jiro would be talking about from her dream. A lone long range archer aiming straight for Sesshomaru on the other side of the compound. Energy was wrapped around it, purified energy as Jiro kept Sesshomaru more than distracted. Feeling the release of the arrow, her heart sank as there was no time to think.

Flying, she was flying towards him at blinding speeds as she unleashed her battle axe and before it could graze him, she blocked the attack. Suddenly the focus was on her, everyone's eyes and Jiro seemed rather annoyed with this turn of events. Yaten was behind her now, looking to be out of breath and he caught a rather nasty look from Sesshomaru.

"You said that my demon dog annoyed you. Well, let me tell you this one is much worse," she said as Yaten barked and came to her side.

Jiro laughed with disbelief. "Are you stupid or just playing a game? That mutt would… oh! That is an interesting turn. The scent is unmistakable. Much like a relationship between sisters, wouldn't you agree? I may not have a dog sense of smell but I do have a way of making it work for me." He smiled as he fired an energy blast at his archer, killing them instantly. One way to say they failed him, she supposed.

"You've begun to annoy me," Satomi said as Yaten fed off her energy, it practically swirled around them and she didn't have time to think about it. This needed to end now. Lashing out in an attack, she could feel not just divine energy, but demon energy flowing through her. Yaten materialized into what looked like crystal fragments of dust as it washed across her skin and entered her body. A divine and demonic blast erupted from her as Jiro was thrown back. So, their battle had begun.

Rin looked at Satomi with fascination, her hair was silver like her favorite demon lord's. However, there wasn't much else to make out at the moment since Jiro and Satomi were moving so fast. Impossible to track with her human eyes, she had to blink as Kagome called to her.

"Rin, we have to stop the bleeding, focus," Kagome said as they tended to a dog demon soldier. Inu-Yasha transferred as many of the injured as he could out of harm's way now that Jiro was finally fully distracted.

"Kagome, you and Rin need to get inside and tend to the injured. Sesshomaru and I have it out here. Kohaku, we need you to protect them. Keep them safe for us or it's your ass!" Everyone nodded as finally they caught a break. Satomi couldn't have picked a better time, Sesshomaru was the only one able to keep up as he told Inu-Yasha to stand down. While that was fought out, more were injured. Survival was a victory at this point. So many dead, Inu-Yasha couldn't even fathom. The attack came so fast and hard that no one could have known the toll it would take on the dog demons and their compound.

As Kagome and Rin stopped the bleeding from the stomach wound for the soldier as best they could, they quickly ventured inside the compound. Kohaku standing guard just inside of the door, keeping an eye on things with a small crack he left open. Inu-Yasha would protect the outside as much as possible, but at the end of the day he knew Jiro was outside of his limits. It was up to Satomi and Sesshomaru to keep the real threat at bay as another wave of demons came into view.

Satomi knew what she had to do. Her body felt lighter than it ever had, her instincts were on point and her reflexes were so fast that she couldn't even keep track. Her breath quickened and her resolve took over. He would not hurt her family, not now or ever. She would destroy Jiro or die trying.

Chapter 25

Satomi knew what she had to do. Her body felt lighter than it ever had, her instincts were on point and her reflexes were so fast that she couldn't even keep track. Her breath quickened and her resolve took over. He would not hurt her family, not now or ever. She would destroy Jiro or die trying.

Earlier

His hand started to glow green as it disintegrated the scroll down to the floor. "Who delivered this?"

"It was on the chair when your mother called on us. Given the message, that's when we called you," Kagome said quietly as she stepped behind Inu-Yasha as Sesshomaru's eyes flashed a red glow before returning back to normal.

Rin looked at Sesshomaru and then around the room. While Sesshomaru made everyone else tense, she simply felt sorry for him. The role that he had was a hard one, to protect Satomi and everyone else while still being a demon lord. Ever since she met him, it was like that, thinking of everyone else although he seemed more than selfish to others. He was a confusing individual, but she knew he would pull through.

"Lord Sesshomaru, what would you like for us to do?" Rin offered to cut through the tense atmosphere. Sesshomaru was obviously not prepared for that question as he 'huffed' out a breath.

"I can handle it," he said sounding a bit offended, but then Inu-Yasha took a step closer with a determined look on his face.

"He isn't just out for you. He wants your legacy, our father's legacy, burned down. He knows Satomi is out of the picture at the moment, and even if you don't need us to deal with him who knows just what he's bringing with him. He won't be alone, and there's not much to go off of," Inu-Yasha clenched his fist as he struggled to find the right words. "We want to protect her too and everyone else. Our own families, comrades. Even if you say no, you know us well enough to know that we won't listen anyway."

Kagome smiled as she hugged her husband. "He is right, you know. We have a bad or good habit, I guess, of not listening to you when you try to go it alone. So, I think while you keep Jiro busy, we will take care of the rest of the mess that comes along."

Kohaku smirked as he shrugged his shoulders, Kagome always did know what to say to the demon lord when Rin could burst through the seams of his cold demeanor just enough for a finishing blow to his sanity or pride.

"Do as you wish, just don't get in my way," he said as he left the room. So long as he could take Jiro out, they could handle the rest. A part of him paused as for a brief moment he thought 'what if they couldn't'. The thought surprised him enough to stop him dead in his tracks as he found himself walking back towards Satomi. As if that annoyingly human thought was made from her. Her caring personality that he thought of once as a weakness proved to be her strongest weapon in her journey as a goddess. Sighing, he put his hand on his forehead and shook his head side to side. He didn't have time to look at her, as much as he wanted to. There was an army to call to arms and he didn't have time to be her lover. He had to be the demon lord, there was no room for disappointment.

As his brother's team assembled their plans, he left the room only to see his mother standing there waiting. "You've changed even since that little human girl. The woman has a similar scent. Sisters, I presume? Don't follow the same path as your father. His romance with the human woman was his downfall. I smell human on that woman, even if she is something beyond that now. Remember your father, that is all I ask. I take my leave of you now."

"Mother," he said with a small bow as she turned on her heel and vanished down the hall. He knew what she was getting at, but didn't want to think of it that way. Satomi showed him more than what was possible just months ago. Rin showed him how to care, Satomi showed him how to open his heart. Even if it was a mere sliver of light shining in the darkness of his heart.

As he contemplated just how anything in this wild plot would work, he could smell something foul in the air. It wasn't quite Jiro, but it reminded him of something else. A demon formed of many foul demons, Naraku. It wasn't the exact same scent, but it was unmistakable filling his mind with anger. That foul false demon that roamed these lands for far too long before had no place reappearing here. Quickly flying to the outside, he saw the cloud of demons coming ever closer as his brother's group, Kohaku and Rin came forth to meet him there.

"It's familiar," Inu-Yasha said as he approached behind his brother. It was obvious they were both on the same track with their senses.

"Kohaku, take Rin and protect her," Sesshomaru called out behind him.

"Yes, my lord," Kohaku said as he took Rin's hand and they both went inside. Rin looked back at Sesshomaru with a worried expression. "He will be fine." Kohaku smiled at her as he slid the door shut.

"I am able to fight now, Kohaku. I'm not the little girl I once was," Rin said frustrated as she crossed her arms and turned away from him.

"I know, but this demon makes your sister tense up. I doubt that…"

"My sister?"

"Uh… Satomi, I mean, you two just look a lot alike and have the same general personalities. I just thought that uh… you know." Kohaku was reeling from a little conversation he had overheard just moments ago from the hall. It made complete sense, and it cleared up many questions on why Satomi was so determined to protect Rin from anyone, why Sesshomaru was so close to her, and why he felt like Satomi was just an older version of Rin.

"I had a sister once, but my mother said she died in a fire at the castle she went to for work. I was young then, but if she was my sister why wouldn't she tell me?" Rin said trying to stay calm when what she wanted to do was find Satomi.

"Rin? Are you mad?" Kohaku said shocked at Rin's expression. She was biting her lip and it seemed like her eyes were welling up with tears. "There is an explanation, I'm sure of it."

"I'm not mad, just…I don't know." Looking off into the distance of the room, she could feel something pull her from outside the room. A force that beckoned her. Her stomach sank as she felt a wave of dark energy come even closer with the screams of dying demons following as the group attacked. "I feel weird."

"What do you mean?" Kohaku asked as he saw her expression shift to confused.

"I feel like we belong out there," she said unable to shake the feeling.

"Lord Sesshomaru would have my head on a platter if anything happened to you," Kohaku said not wanting to envision that, but unable to not think of it either.

"Nothing will. Satomi will come, I'm sure of it."

"She's in the room passed out with no signs of waking up. I don't even sense her usual energy."

"You say she's my sister. Then I know she will come for me."

Kohaku sighed in frustration. He honestly couldn't say no to Rin. The confidence she gained recently he couldn't place where she got it from. Sesshomaru or Satomi, but either way she had a point. Satomi always came to Rin's aid, no matter the consequences. There was no reason to stop believing in that now.

"No stopping you that's for sure," he said as he opened the sliding door shaking his head in both amazement and disbelief. Leading her out, he kept an eye out for threats directly coming for them. Putting two and two together made sense with Satomi and Rin, but he had to wonder if Rin really didn't have a clue or if she was just waiting confirmation. Her reaction was neither upset or overjoyed, more just accepting. Perhaps she was waiting for Satomi to come as confirmation to her thoughts which was a risky gamble.

"I thought we told you to go inside," Inu-Yasha said as he unleased the Wind Scar and Kagome sent a purified arrow into the hoard of demons coming their way. Left and right the dog demons were being picked off from the outside. Jiro's demons were trying to surround them.

"I can help! Just let me," Rin said as a gust of demonic energy swept past her and into the stomach of a nearby dog demon. Running to him, she applied pressure to the wound as the blood was seeping through. Kagome joined her to help, but at this rate it would be a win just to be living at the end of it.

As Rin looked up, she saw an arrow directing at Lord Sesshomaru. Praying for help, she called to Satomi and within seconds, she was there. Looking at Satomi in a new light, she could see just how similar they were. Same face structure, same nature, same eye color and hair color. Even her aura was so familiar as she remembered when they were at Sesshomaru's compound.

Kagome called to her to focus, but how could she while knowing that she had a piece of her family back when it was only this life for so long. Moving the injured demon inside quickly but carefully, she prayed that her sister would come back to her just one more time.

"I thought I told you to rot in hell," Jiro said to Satomi with a snarl. His moves were becoming desperate as they exchanged blows with their demon energy.

"Perhaps you first," Satomi said as she felt some other source of energy coming from him. He moved so fast, but not as fast as Sesshomaru just much more chaotic. While scanning his energy there was something off about the energy he was putting out. "You're not him."

As they both stopped, they descended to the ground. "You are a clever one," he said with an annoyed sigh. "I really wondered how long it would take for you. However, this body does have its advantages. I can see you from where I am, and it acts in line with what I want. Truly a lovely servant of a body."

"Sounds about right for you," she said disgusted with him as if she didn't have enough to be disgusted with already.

"Don't we just use our servants? You, my dear, act all high and mighty on your morale high horse, but I know you wish to rule. Humans, demons, gods are all the same. They're out for themselves and their best interests. You have all three lumped into one. I'd call you the greediest of them all," Jiro said as he stepped forward causing Satomi to tense. As he smiled amused at her reaction, she narrowed her eyes with caution. "Let's see how you do when you have to give something up to save someone other than your dear Rin or demon lord."

Disappearing from Satomi's sight and reappearing before the mansion, all Satomi could hear was a scream from within before nothing but a moment of deafening silence. Her heart sank as she felt the guilt of letting her guard down, not knowing what would be on the other side of the sliding doors tears started welling up. The room was filled with a dark aura before it twisted out of the room as she slammed open the doors. Sesshomaru behind her as the rest of the demons disappeared. Kagome was bleeding from her heart as her body lay lifeless on the floor as Rin tried to summon her energy to help save her. Inu-Yasha was in shock as he called out to her trying to stop the bleeding pushing away Kohaku as he tried to save her by putting pressure on the wound.

Satomi didn't hesitate as she leaned down and reached to Kagome's heart. Still and lifeless, her soul was leaving her. Inu-Yasha's hand gripped into Satomi's and blood dripped down his claws as his eyes started to turn red. Sesshomaru followed with a powerful swing to Inu-Yasha causing him to crash through the walls as the brothers fought. As the chaos ensued, Satomi's lips moved as she prayed. Prayed for an answer before another silence happened. Looking around the room, all was still but Kagome's soul was standing above her body with a saddened smile.

"Kagome, I can…"

"I know, but you shouldn't."

Tears started to rush down Satomi's face as Kagome reached forward. "I want to save you I just don't know how."

"It's okay. I just didn't want to leave him so soon without a child." Kagome's glance went towards Inu-Yasha as her shoulders heaved in a defeated sigh. "I knew this time was dangerous, but I also knew a life without him wouldn't be worth the alternative."

"You're so much stronger than I am. I don't know how much more I can do before I break." It was a thought that had been tossing in her mind for a long time now. Anything for Rin or Sesshomaru but at what cost. Everything was coming down to the last moment of this fight with Jiro. There wasn't much time left for her and Rin, Sesshomaru and her, even her new friends along the way.

"Strong people need help sometimes. We've relied on you but it's hard when you're different, I know. It's hard to ask for help, I'm guilty too. But if anyone can do this, you can." Kagome's hand touched Satomi's shoulder as Satomi sobbed, her tears dripping on Kagome's chest. Warmth and calmness flooded Satomi as Kagome's aura washed over her. Everything felt like a dream before suddenly it was gone.

Opening her tear swollen eyes, she knew Tsukuyomi was nearby. Turning her head, she saw his face was solemn. A face she hadn't seen on him before. "I have to do something," she begged as he shook his head. "How can you stand there and do nothing?"

"Stop acting like a spoiled brat, it doesn't suit you," he said piercing a glare at her. "There is a higher purpose for you, and this is simply a casualty that happened in the process."

"Bastard, she's my friend," screaming at him as she stood up as he reached forward to grab her throat.

"And now she's your dead friend. Mourn her loss and move on. There's a larger problem at work here that needs to be taken care of." Releasing her, she gasped for air on the ground as he sighed in annoyance. "I didn't want this to happen but that's the cost of a war."

"I don't do it if you don't help me help her," Satomi ground through her teeth at him as her eyes glowed with anger.

"You don't get it do you! You're not a god, you're a human on borrowed power on borrowed time. The more energy you spend to revive her the less time I'll be able to give you when your task of killing Jiro is finished. Stupid girl with selfish desires is what you are," the god said as his power lashed around them.

"I am selfish. I am human, but I'm not stupid. She is a powerful priestess that is dead because Jiro wants me to fail. She was pregnant, she was starting a life with her husband, and she was a kind person that this world doesn't deserve. Which is more of a reason for her to be saved," Satomi said as she turned back to Kagome. Putting Kagome's head in her lap, she concentrated her energy to healing her wound with her hands over her heart. "I'll do it myself and live with that consequence."

Chanting ancient words that she had no idea she knew; she felt the spiritual world shifting as Kagome's soul became apparent again. The wound was healing as her soul passed through Satomi and into her own body. Suddenly the world felt heavy as Satomi worked to complete what she had to do. The chant had to be done, the healing had to finish, and her soul completely in tune with her body or everything would fall apart. Reincarnated souls were complicated, and this just made it worse.

Feeling a hand on her back, she felt a wave of energy pass through her. "Stupid girl. Giving up so much for everyone else when you could have it all with just a wish for it." Tsukuyomi's voice could be heard although his body had disappeared. She had to wonder if a past life did the same thing before and that's what made him so mad. Finishing the incantation, she felt tired as her energy dropped dramatically. Looking down at her body, she realized her hair was once again a dark brown and her old kimono was there instead of her goddess garment.

To be human again, truly human again. It had felt like a lifetime but welcomed at the same time. Kagome's body that was once lifeless was breathing as the world continued again. Kohaku and Rin looked at Satomi in wonder as they saw what was happening.

"Are you human?' Kohaku asked as he didn't sense a superior power or demonic energy.

"I don't know." Answering truthfully, she just shrugged as Rin's eyes welled up with tears.

"Sister?" Rin asked curiously as her hand reached forward. The similarity was undeniable as Rin looked at her features. How she didn't see it before, she felt so blind.

"I'm so sorry I didn't say it before," was all Satomi said as Rin threw herself into Satomi's lap and cried.

Sesshomaru and Inu-Yasha halted as Inu-Yasha heard Kagome's heartbeat and his eyes returned to normal. Rushing to Kagome, Inu-Yasha raised her head and held it close.

"Satomi, did you…sacrifice for us?" He didn't know how to ask as he didn't sense any odd energy from her anymore.

"My god power loaner is upset with me but if I had to I would do it again. She's worth that much," she said as Kagome's eyes slowly opened.

"Welcome back to the living, Kagome," Satomi said as she caressed Rin's head.

"Your death is your undoing, child. Selfish desires come with just desserts. Your powers are gone as you wanted to defy fate so badly. Your protection is vanished, your way is now your own. Jiro must be killed before the eclipse or you will perish. Your desire as brought you thus," Kagome's voice spoke but Satomi knew it wasn't her.

Coughing ensued as the real Kagome woke up and the group circled around her grateful. None of them heard the voice that came before that break of air. No one but Satomi.