Blue Bird {Chapters Prologue - Twelve}

Blue Bird {Page 1}

Inu-Yasha Fanfiction 

Rating MA for violence, blood, and sexual content

Original Character, Sesshomaru, Rin, Kohaku, Inu-Yasha, Kagome, Sango, Miroku... pretty much everyone is involved. Originally on fanfiction.net but bringing it here on my own page. This started back in 2017 and my writing evolves with the time. Please enjoy and I will continue to update as my schedule allows.

Thank you!

Prologue

Crumbling to the ground, the stone chipped away slowly around her skin as the curse slowly lifted. Naraku had finally been defeated after so long. Patiently she waited until she could slowly move her limbs once more. How many years had it been? Deep in the cavern where she had been kept with not a single indication of time, it was difficult to tell. Her pale skin was finally able to breathe under the gray stone that had coated her body for so long. Tingles moved up and down her limbs as she moved them slowly. Legs giving out under her once everything fell away, she sat there on the ground for what felt like ages before her legs shakily let her stand.

"He's finally dead," she said in a whisper as tears of joy fell down her face from her caramel colored eyes. As her hands went to her face to wipe the tears, she realized her hair had grown significantly in her imprisonment. Almost down to her ankles, she let her fingers wave through the long dark brown locks. The kimono she had on before was a simple blue, and that hadn't changed despite the time.

Satomi was left in the darkness not knowing which way was the way out. Knowing that she would never find her way out if she didn't step forward, she slowly made her way to a cavern wall. The rocks hurt her bare feet, but that was worth the freedom she now had. Who had killed him? What took so long? She wanted to know the answers. Owing the person her life, she had to first find out how much time had passed. Which meant leaving the cavern before she was too far ahead of herself.

Trips and falls happened frequently until she finally smelled something other than a musty underground cave. Fresh air, finally! Everything else faded away as she ran blindly towards the source still unable to see a thing. Nearly screaming as wet grass touched her feet, she realized it was dark outside. The moon the only illumination as the light sparkled on the meadow before her. The sight was truly miraculous as she thought she would die in that cavern. Tears continued again down her cheeks as she fell from the shock and beauty of it all.

Countless minutes went by as she had the desire to find out if her family was alive. Her sister, brother, mother, father, and even if the village was still standing. Everything was so overwhelming that it was hard to know what to do first. No matter what she'd have to wait for daylight to even know which way to go. Memory served to remind her that the fight with Naraku was someplace with very few people, as she planned it that way. A village within an easy walk from here would be a sign of much time going by.

Humming a tune from her past, Satomi passed the time with thoughts and memories. Her kimono felt shorter than before, but then she presumed she probably grew a bit since then. While she hadn't heard or seen anything in quite some time, she was happy to see the darkness glisten. The sun could be a little much. Sighing, she traced her name in the grass feeling the dew on her skin and enjoying the sensations all around her. The smell of nature, the sounds of an owl in the distance, grass under her body, everything felt new once more.

Seeing a glimmer of yellow over a distant hill, she stood up and took in deep breaths of air as she watched the slow sunrise. It would be cool today, she remembered how to tell that. The goosebumps over her skin reminded her it was probably unwise to sit in wet grass for so long. Catching a death of cold would be ironic after 'being away'. Oranges and brighter yellows continued to illuminate the sky. The curse was finally done, and the new dawn awaited Satomi. She knew her family was out there somewhere. There was so much to say to them, to explain.

Being taken away in her teens, she was meant to be a concubine to a lord as she grew up. Her beauty was often talked about and this was her way to make a living for her family who didn't have anything besides each other. It about killed her to leave everyone, but they were left with very little choice. A year into training, everyone was killed and Naraku was to blame. The castle was convenient for him apparently and she found herself learning how to kill demons in the hope she could one day face him. Well, one day she did… and he cursed her to stone. "To forever have your beauty as you die slowly in stone". She wandered into the cavern before the curse had completed. "Only my death will free you…" Lingering words that fueled her anger, until anger turned to grief, and grief turned numb into nothing. Never again. Never again would she be numb to anything, life was given to her again and she would use everything in her power to live it.

Smiling as the new dawn greeted her, she opened her arms and took a final deep breath before looking in all directions. All she needed to do was start walking and fate would guide the rest.

"Sesshomaru is here," Rin told Kaede as she bounded out of the small hut. Kaede not even able to get a word in before Rin was already running to meet her demon lord towards the edge of the village. By now, everyone was used to his appearance. A year had passed since she started living with Kaede and not much had changed since then. Village life was normal, not nearly as eventful as traveling with Sesshomaru however it had a peace and value of life to it she was starting to learn to appreciate. Helping with newborns was especially fun with Sango and Miroku. Inu-Yasha and Kagome lived a fairly normal life as she trained to be the priestess and he protected her in her duties as she would be commissioned to take out demons from time to time. Everything was normal, and she loved it.

"Lord Sesshomaru," she said out of breath as she reached him. He seemed to have a small box in his hand outstretched towards her. His usual solemn face expression didn't give anything away as she smiled and took the box shyly from his hand. "Thank you so much!" A small jade necklace, easy for her to hide she supposed but it worked for her just fine. The kimonos were almost too much now to handle, and fans were a plenty. She supposed it was his own way of making sure she was taken care of while he was taking care of his Inu Daiyōkai duties or something. He had large shoes, or paws rather, to fill since his father died. Kagome had told her that during their many talks together.

"I take it you had a good day," he said tilting his head to the side slightly as she put the necklace over her head. She was always a curious human, but he enjoyed their time together. It still amazed him to watch a human child grow up. Over the last four years, she had grown into a young lady who would soon find a human to be with and start a family. Strangely, he would almost rather it be that young boy Kohaku who had proven suitable to protect little Rin. Even if the thought unsettled him none the less. The choice would be hers to do with what she pleased, no matter what he would never be far.

"Yes, I did! Kaede showed me many herbs and how to best skin a rabbit today," Rin said with a huge grin on her face. "You should come to the village and see all the progress we made drying out the flowers and other plants. Inu-Yasha and Kagome are supposed to be home tomorrow sometime too!" She wasn't blind when she saw the look of confusion on his face. Never usually asking him to tag along, he probably found it weird that she asked. "I mean if you want to, my lord."

"I suppose it would not hurt," he said simply as he walked passed her and then waited for her to lead. He didn't smell anyone out of the ordinary, so he did not foresee a problem this time. Walking behind her into the hut, Kaede looked like she would about faint.

"Kaede, he said he would come with today and see all that you've been teaching me," Rin said with a huge grin as Kaede processed what was going on. She looked so pleased, Kaede couldn't help but smile after getting her bearings.

"Oh, aye child," she said standing up. "I do not believe I have had a demon lord in my hut. Tis an honor and a curious thing."

"Think nothing of it," he said simply not used to dealing with so many humans. Rather he was used to killing them more so back when if he so felt like it. Rin was never phased by him, and Kaede seemed to settle down as Rin showed him different things around the hut before taking him back out to the village and showing him around there as well.

"Sango!" Rin called out as three children and their mother came out of a different hut nearby. Miroku was out with Inu-Yasha and Kagome, but Sango took the time to stay behind for the children. Motherhood suited her, Rin loved seeing her be a mother to the children. It reminded her of many years ago with her own mother.

"Rin! I see Sesshomaru is with you today, how nice is that?" she said as the children watched the demon lord with curious eyes. Their hands reached forward before Sango said, "What did I say about those hands? I swear just like their father, always wandering hands." Saying it under her breath, she shook her head.

"Yes, it is," Rin said laughing at Sango's expression. It looked like she was also showing a fourth child. Still early, but a small bump was there. Sango asked Rin about Kaede and the dinner for this evening and Sesshomaru just let it phase out of his attention. However, he did smell someone new. A young woman coming from the forest. A young woman alone from such a place was odd, but it appeared that she was continuing no further than she was. Contentment was what he sensed, so he relaxed slightly as Rin pulled him away and Sango nodded in respect.

Soon it was time for him to go and he flew away as Rin waved with that smile on her face.

Satomi smiled as she saw a small village. Four years had passed since she had started her journey and what she learned had saddened her. The former village she had lived in with her family was ransacked by lesser wolf demons and killed her sister. Her other family died from thieves soon after she was taken. However, she could do nothing about the past and that drove her to live her own life. One to make her family proud. She sang and danced geisha songs at villages for some money, but she enjoyed her traveling entertainment life. Any small demons and annoying men were easy to handle after the training she had all those years ago.

Humming a song, she saw a handsome man fly into the sky. Obviously, a demon, but still she stared in wonder as she looked between him and the village he came from. A small girl was waving to him, and she couldn't help but smile at the sight. It seemed so innocent and there didn't seem to be malintent. Sighing, she took in the sights and admired the small humble village. It didn't seem that there'd be much for money and entertainment here, but that didn't always matter. Sometimes she just felt drawn to places and this was one of them. How serene and peaceful.

Resting against the base of a large tree, she heard small steps approaching her. Looking over, she saw what could have been a twin of her little sister if she had been able to grow up. That hair especially with the cute side ponytail. "Hi there, are you ok?" the girl said quietly as Satomi sat up straight.

"Of course, can I help you with something?" she asked with a smile. The girl seemed to relax a little and sigh in relief.

"No not really, I'm just glad to know you're ok. The last time I approached someone leaning against a tree, they were hurt."

"My name is Satomi," she said trying to put the girl at ease. "I just didn't see if there'd be an inn and I was tired is all."

"Oh, well my name is Rin and if you'd like to stay with the priestess I'm sure that would be ok," she said noting the young woman seemed familiar somehow.

"I'll be just fine. And I love your name, reminds me of someone from long ago that I miss terribly."

Rin blushed slightly and looked to the ground. She didn't want to make Satomi sad, and yet something about that made her sad too. "I'm sorry…"

"Please don't be. I shouldn't have said that. You just look so much like her, but that's nothing bad or wrong. I'm happy to have met you and maybe I will see you tomorrow?" Satomi said reaching out to touch the girl's cheek before moving it away.

"Of course! I'll look for you tomorrow Ms Satomi," Rin said as she ran off. The name seemed familiar, but she couldn't place it. Maybe another life?

Satomi fell asleep against the trunk to memories of her little sister. How strange that girl brought up all the memories that laid dormant for years now. But they were pleasant ones and ones she welcomed in her dreams as the night came over the world.

Chapter 1

Satomi dreamt of the days of her youth, wandering barefoot through the creeks with her younger brother and baby sister. The days where her family could afford nothing, so they had everything in their small hut and their hearts. Smiling and laughing with everyone as they played and helped each other grow. She could not even begin to count the times she had the sew up her kimono because they could not afford another. Singing for money, she would travel on roads and learned to fend for herself minorly. Come home a day or two later with some money to get by. The world felt so different then. Innocent even.

Hearing footsteps that brought her back from her slumber, Satomi sensed it was from Rin. The little girl meant no harm, and Satomi made it a point to stay still as the young girl approached. She could hear the sigh of relief as the steps stopped near her. However, there was not a greeting or advancement. There was a calmness to it, but Satomi had to open one of her eyes to see what was going on. Rin was bent down and simply watching as her weight rested on the back of her legs. "Well, good morning," Satomi said with a small smile as Rin stood up with a start probably lost in thought.

"Good morning! I'm sorry if I woke you up, it is still rather early. I just couldn't sleep," she said nervously as a hand went to the back of her head. Laughing at her response, Satomi shook her head with a smile.

"There's nothing to apologize for. I suppose you don't meet very many people here, do you?" Looking around, it was not a common trade road. Just a simple village with rice fields as many others were in the area. No main roads, the only attraction would be the priestess that resided here if there was a need. There was a rumor that a priestess and a half demon lived around here and helped the local area as needed. Her powers were without question and she had heard that the priestess and the half demon had put an end to the swine of a devil named Naraku. Maybe that was what brought her here specifically. The purity here was beyond what she was used to despite the demon flying away yesterday.

"Did you sleep well? I can't imagine the tree was warm or very comfortable," Rin asked looking to the tree and back to Satomi curiously.

Following the girl's glance, she shrugged her shoulders. "To be put simply, I've had worse for much longer," she said with a sigh as she stood up revealing herself to be a tall and very lithe woman. Given her physical nature, her body wasn't especially curvaceous but rather warrior like. The kimono she wore would be like the demon slayer Rin knew. Long and with leggings underneath, the color being a dark blue with white designs of lotus flowers along the left side. Her hair was braided but still very long, reaching the back of her knees.

"You're very pretty," Rin said bluntly as she took a moment to look at the mysterious woman. Rin was known to not trust people beyond those in the village, and yet this woman caused her no alarm. However, even that comment took even her by surprise. It was the kind of look that noble women seemed to have with the angelic air about them that makes them look untouchable by ones such as her. Lord Sesshomaru and her would look as they were from another world in the same area.

"Oh," Satomi responded in surprise before realizing more than that would be necessary. "Thank you very much, you're too kind." Smiling shyly, she tucked a stray strand behind her ear. "I do believe we were going to go to your village today. I do need to restock on some essentials and I'd love to meet the woman you told me about yesterday, the priestess."

Taking that as a sure sign of acceptance, Rin smiled as she led Satomi to the village talking about all the different villagers in the area. Who worked with the rice, and who made the kimonos and who did any other task she thought important. Everyone stared at them which left Rin unphased, but Satomi hated the attention. She was used to it to some degree, her stature and demeanor made her different and yet she simply wished to blend in at times like this.

"So, Rin… where are you from?" Satomi asked cautiously unable to really place that she knew this young girl. Her own little sister would be the same age by now… it had been eight years since she had seen her last. Only three when her little sister sobbed as Satomi was taken away by the palace guard. Hearing that they had been taken from her into the afterlife was beyond painful. To think that one was alive was more than she could ever ask for.

"A small village far from here, my family died when I was little," Rin said simply not phased by the question. "You?" She stopped to turn to her new-found friend.

"I too am from a small village, a poor family really. They died while I was… away," she said unable to bring herself to say the details. The young girl didn't seem phased by much, but she still had a soft spot for her and didn't wish to burden her with details she didn't need to know. "I never got to say good bye, even to my toddler sister…"

"I'm sure they knew you loved them. You seem like the type who would let them know, so I'm sure they're not mad," Rin said not knowing how that released much of Satomi's fears. The feeling nearly brought tears to her eyes. They welled up, but she kept them away, just barely.

"Thank you, Rin. I suppose I never saw it that way before," she said as she continued walking. "Let us continue, shall we?" Smiling, oblivious at the impact of her words, she ran into Kaede's hut and announced the young woman as Satomi followed. "Good day, priestess. I am a simple traveling entertainer and if you wouldn't mind having my company for a few days I would also need to restock on my supplies."

"Aye, well if you mean us to ill will then it is fine if you stay," Kaede said as they bowed to each other slightly. "My name is Kaede if you need any assistance. There is another priestess named Kagome who should be back today at some point if you need anything else. Now, are you hungry? You look like you have nay ate in days, my child."

Thanking her graciously, they all sat and talked about the village as a small stew Kaede had been brewing was served. Normal conversation was strange for Satomi and even more so in such an unfamiliar place. Grateful only scratched the surface of feelings for this moment. She learned that there was a powerful priestess here years ago and that she sealed a half demon to a tree. Fifty years later, a reincarnation appeared and together through their adventures brought down an evil being. None other than Naraku. Her heart nearly skipped a beat when she listened to the tale that took place over much of the day. This other priestess was the reincarnation and that she would be back. Finally closure to so many years of wondering what really happened. Five years took place since Satomi was imprisoned. Two years before his death. No wonder why her body changed in her late teens. The stone must have allowed her to still grow so she could have, as Naraku said, a slow death.

"I see the world did change since I was released from my imprisonment," she said quietly as she saw the two people in the room look at her strangely. "Naraku imprisoned me in a curse. I could not move, I could not see, and it could only be broken from his death. I challenged him and I was arrogant. He wished for me to die slowly and alone." Explaining seemed to help since both looked at her in understanding. They both explained their troubles with the evil half demon. "I awake to find out my family is dead after searching many days and nights. So, I found a way to live on my own and treasure my life for their sake."

The world was still brutal, but she strove to find the beauty in it more so now than before. Life was never a guarantee and she told them about her adventures and lands traveled. All the different people as they looked at her in awe as she sang songs from the North, South, East and West. Admiring her voice as it rang out in the small hut, she gained the attention of Sango and she gathered into the small hut with the children. The little ones wanted to learn the songs and Satomi felt like she was at home as the twin girls played with her braid. Letting it loose, they admired its shine and softness. Somehow this felt like so long ago. This felt like home.

Suddenly, there were two others as well. A man with silver hair and… dog ears. The woman behind him was a priestess. Beautiful and still quite young. Perhaps a year younger than Satomi. "Inu-Yasha and Kagome, you've returned safely," Kaede said as Sango stood to hug her friend and Rin smiled from ear to ear. A little fox demon came bounding in with a monk and crying with excitement to the sight of the priestess. Satomi just took in the sight of everyone as the monk went to Sango and they smiled in welcome. So warm and inviting. Truly a beautiful reunion. "This is Satomi, a young entertainer who also had a run in with Naraku years ago. Without his defeat she would still be in stone. Truly the demon was pure evil."

Kagome turned her attention to Satomi and smiled. "I'm glad you could make it here and visit. It's not often we have company from the outside," she said bowing slightly.

"Well, without you all I wouldn't be able to be here at all. So, I thank you," Satomi said as she told Inu-Yasha, Kagome, Miroku and Sango her story. She had never been able to be so open with her story before as no one knew much about the scourge and defilement to this land that Naraku stood for. Most humans only knew the death he left behind without much of a reason why. "I'm grateful to you all and I only hope to continue to live my life on my terms."

"You have quite the story. To be put into stone and still be able to age. Tell me how long you were trapped?" Kagome was curious about the young woman. She was harmless, at least in terms of intent. Her energy was different though, something she never felt before. Human but more tuned into something hidden as well. Not demon but something else.

"Well, I was taken from my home when I was twelve. Naraku took over the castle where I was at when I was thirteen. Trained to try to kill him for two years until I was fifteen. So, at fifteen I sought him out and I did find him. However, I was arrogant. I awoke two years later and have been on the road for four years now. It doesn't feel like that much time has passed with as much peace as I've seen overall. Still there are wars but it seems quiet now."

"Almost too quiet," Inu-Yasha spoke up as he shrugged. "I feel the air in the North is darker and tenser than before. With Naraku gone, it's not surprising someone wants something to stir up again. Sesshomaru is probably trying to see for himself by now. If we can feel it here… that can't be good."

"I've been in the south for some time, so I suppose it's no wonder I had no idea. It makes sense with how many have traveled that direction in the recent months. No one says much, but I do believe they had a feeling something was wrong." It fell silent for a moment as everyone thought about it. Yet another war and this time it would be heading straight for them as they were in the Western Lands.

"Well, he is the Lord of the West now I guess… so he would want to know if something dangerous is coming. It would take something big to threaten Sesshomaru considering his reputation. Chances are we will find out soon if it's going to be concerning or not," Inu-Yasha finished as he scoffed giving with brother some praise. But even he had to admit, his brother was one of the stronger demons out there. Now that he had Bakusaiga and Tenseiga to both kill and regenerate, he was usually left alone from the other lands. The fact he found time to see Rin yet made Inu-Yasha realize that the demon was not worried about his position. Not that he'd let him know either way.

"Well, still if it affects us then we should help," Kagome said looking at Inu-Yasha with determination. "Your brother is obviously my brother now too since I'm your wife. You should know we help family." The woman was rather defiant, and they broke out into an argument about family and duty and the fact Sesshomaru was a big bad demon who could take care of himself.

Meeting these people had to be the strangest and most fun moment in her life. They didn't seem worried about her and she wasn't worried about them. No wonder they beat Naraku, and yet it was a wonder they did with how they argued. Out of love, but still… interesting.

"Well, Satomi," Kaede said clearing her thought to bring an order to the home. "You are welcome to stay here with us until you are ready to go." Rin beamed as she hugged the woman and the twin girls giggled throwing themselves on her as well. She had no idea how well this would go, but she had a feeling that she was here for a reason beyond even her knowledge.

"Thank you. I believe this will do just nicely," she said with a smile.

XXXXX

Two weeks had passed since that day she was welcome here with open arms. Kagome and she talked about the priestess training and helped her with the day to day tasks. What Satomi had planned to be just a normal few days here then gone turned into much longer than that. Singing to the children and while she worked allowed her to do what she would normally do just without pay. However, she was given food and shelter for all her help. The winter months would be settling in soon and everyone was starting to prepare.

The day to day work was calming as she settled into her role as a general helper no matter the task. The children would follow her and beg her for songs. Their favorite was 'Blue Bird' talking about flying in the sky above all the sadness and war to a better place and life.

"You said if you could fly

You would fly high high into the sky

And all you'd ever know

Is the blue the blue sky up above"

Singing as she walked into the forest, she saw someone land nearby. It was the same demon that she witnessed flying away those two weeks ago. He was even more handsome up close. Long silver hair and garments of a lord. Was this Inu-Yasha's half brother they spoke of before? Rin spoke of him frequently, but it was mostly of how as much as he was quiet and stern, he was a kind demon. However, there was an aloof nature that made her wonder just how nice he could even be.

He took a sniff in the air and his eyes widened slightly before they narrowed at her. "Who are you?" His voice was a demand and her heart skipped a beat in both fear and admiration.

"I'm… well…" Freezing in her unsureness of what to do, she never faced a strong demon like this before. She was used to lesser demons, but he meant business immediately.

"Satomi!" Rin exclaimed happily as she ran into the woman's legs and hugged her. "This is Lord Sesshomaru!" Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at the young girl's reaction to the stranger. Obviously, something happened while he was away, and he wanted an explanation. "Sesshomaru, this is Satomi, my new friend who I met when you left last. She's been helping us so much here."

"I see," Sesshomaru said simply as he looked away from Satomi and looked to Rin.

"So, you're the Lord of the Western Lands," Satomi said as a moment of silence bothered her. She bowed politely hoping that it would be enough to avoid a glare. His eyes were on her and she could feel it intensely. As if he was trying to read her, he looked slightly puzzled and glared again as she rose and looked at him once more. Blushing in not knowing what to do, she turned her gaze away to Rin who was smiling oblivious to the awkward situation.

"I suppose they told you then," he said as he walked by them. Rin happily tagging along. His aloof nature was truly something. His demonic energy was also something else.

"I'll see you later, Satomi," Rin said happily waving behind her for a moment before looking forward and chatting happily with him.

Sitting in the grass from the intensity of the meeting, she felt as if she both dodged a fight and yet it didn't feel like that would be the last of him either. The demon was frightening, even if his face was handsome. He wouldn't take her off guard again.

Chapter 2

After gaining her composure, Satomi stood up and shook off the feeling of being watched. His eyes were cold as ice and yet melted just barely with the sight of Rin. Looking at her like a loving father instead of a heartless killer it was difficult to put her mind around it all. Rin had mentioned how she found the demon wounded and had been with him ever since. There was so much going on that she skipped over the specifics which was out of the ordinary of the young girl. However, it was what it was and obviously he trusted very few and let even fewer into his circle.

Continuing her way around the forest edge, she noticed many medicinal herbs that Kagome said she needed more of earlier that day. Gathering as much as she could in her hands, she hummed to herself once more. It helped drown out all the worries and anxiety that she felt thinking about the demon and analyzing what any movement could mean. Her goal wasn't to destroy a demon out of revenge, she was trying to live a peaceful life of her own. However, she knew there was no way to have a new slate that was wiped clean of all the sins she had committed on her blind hunt for revenge. But if the day came where she was made to answer for them, she would gladly accept it.

Finding her way back to the edge of the forest just before the clearing, she looked around and could see the sun filtering through the leaves above. The sight of light dancing on the bark of the trees made her wish to dance. Looking around, she didn't see anyone and started to move in a traditional geisha dance as she sang a song quietly. Holding the herbs as if they were a fan, she was delicate and exact with her movements as she pictured an audience that yearned to be taken away by song and dance into a fictional world that only a geisha could provide. Not that she was a geisha, but the training of a concubine started with the knowledge.

Losing herself, she started to sing louder as she continued. However, there was a slight slant in the ground and she caught herself just barely, giggling at the startle it gave her. "Honestly… you'd think I would know better," she said to herself as her cheeks turned red and she continued towards the village shaking her ankle off and walking normally.

However, there were eyes watching. Sesshomaru had told Inu-Yasha what he needed to know and the priestess. The strongest priestess of her time and his half blood brother would probably be dragged in if they liked it or not. The impending war was weighing heavily on his mind as the northern demon tribes started to become restless. They would be useful to keep the damage to a minimum, but there would still be many casualties in the meantime. The Lord of the East, Koga would probably have to be involved as well. Kagome said she could help with that much.

He watched as the young maiden danced in the forest. The scent coming from her was familiar and he knew exactly why. Rin had a similar scent, but younger and more innocent. The woman smelled unique, but the line was still there. They were related, he could only presume sisters, and yet neither mentioned it and Rin seemed oblivious. She referred to her as a friend and someone fun, but not a sibling. Satomi seemed to have no clue either. For himself, he had his senses to tell him things, humans just had fading memories. Rin would have had to be young for this split to happen, so she wouldn't remember, and he was told the woman thought her family killed. It was interesting, but hardly his place to step in. Human problems were the least of his worries, even if it did involve his Rin.

As Satomi continued to dance, he could remember performances where his mother would take him to culture his future station as Lord of the West. Pleasant memories although they were far from exciting. He was far more interested at learning how to become stronger than his own father than dancing women with fans. However, this one was interesting. He would allow her to be near Rin, if only to see what happened as time went on. Perhaps she would be able useful to Rin as well, even if their nature was not exposed. No doubt Inu-Yasha suspected something by now if he paid attention. However, that would perhaps give him too much credit for now.

Lingering, he slowly descended to the ground as the young maiden walked to the village, unaware of his presence. Ah-Un could be seen flying down with a small imp on his back. Landing, Jaken could be heared heaving away as he ran towards him. The imp was useful, but rather bothersome when Sesshomaru wished to be lost in thought. "What is it, Jaken?" he asked not looking to the imp.

"Well, mi lord, I was just coming to inform you that a message appeared at your estate. The demon lords of the south wish to meet with you soon. Sounds like the young demon heirs were sent to see the north's condition and were wiped out. Rather powerful heirs too by the sound of it… not half as strong as you…," he drowned on as Sesshomaru was silent a moment longer.

"Interesting. Let them know I will meet soon. If they wish my aid, they will come to me," he said simply as he turned and walked towards the village. "Three days time," he added sharply.

"Yes, mi lord! I will inform the messenger immediately," Jaken said as he scampered away to fly on Ah-Un back to the estate. Sesshomaru hated the estate only because there was not much to do. He could do his duties in a day and then go back to monitoring his land which was far more preferred. Never would he allow a demon such as Naraku come from his land. The safest place for Rin would be his estate, however he was unsure about what her reaction would be. The last year made him realize what taking other's feelings into consideration was a little more in detail than before. However, if need be, he would make her see reason to stay there. She would not die again as he could no longer revive her, and he would be lost without her. Her life was already fleeting as it was, he would not make it shorter due to her own human error in judgement.

When he arrived back at the village, he saw Satomi speaking to Sango rather cheerfully as the children played at their legs. Hiding and then running from each other, he found it curious but remembered demon children did that too. Miroku joined the conversation and they all laughed looking at his expense before the couple shared a tender kiss and Satomi was left with color on her face. Had the woman not have a relationship with a man before? He smelled the air and he didn't smell any man on her. Even fleeting or distant, nothing came up to his sensitive nose. He didn't see her as ugly, she was quite lovely for human standards he supposed. Beneath his notice, but he wasn't a fool. However, it was her own business and hardly his.

By this time, he could feel something coming. A storm of some sort as clouds started to move in from the North. It didn't feel like a demon cloud, and yet it was ominous. Eyeing it carefully, he decided to go find Rin and keep close to her just to be safe. Everyone else could defend themselves, she was his to keep safe. However, he could not sense her in the village. Looking around momentarily, he noticed Kagome and Inu-Yasha running his direction with distress. Something had happened, something he didn't wish to hear.

"Sesshomaru, I can't find Rin anywhere," Kagome said with a small panic in her voice. If the priestess could not sense her then… that was trouble. By then, Sango, Satomi, and Miroku were rushing over to see what was unfolding. As Kagome explained to them the situation, they looked to the cloud as he had. There was a cause, and if they hurt Rin they would be destroyed. Even if they didn't hurt her, his mood was less than pleasant now.

Satomi heard Kagome, but it brought about a sense of urgency. If a priestess, demon slayer, a monk, and three demons did not sense her abduction, then it was by an abnormal being. Sesshomaru seemed lost somehow, and angry. If he couldn't sense her, then how would he find her? Destroying everything was what she thought of right away, but then he did seem powerful enough to find a way to do something.

As Satomi looked to the clouds once more, there was a vibrating sensation in the air. Inu-Yasha pulled at his sword to reveal the Tessaiga and Sesshomaru was now on edge reaching for his own Bakusaiga. A lightning strike hit down along a tree and it ignited into flames as a being stepped forth. Kagome reached for her bow and arrow as Miroku told Sango to go with the children for now. To keep them safe. The being was of childish stature, but menacing eyes that glared into each one of them. A young woman with short golden hair and an intricate lady like kimono. An orb was floating between her hands as she moved her hands around it slowly. There were demon markings on her forehead of three red diamonds and her eyes matched the color.

"Well, well, well," she said in a bell like tone. "It seems we finally meet. I am the demoness of the North, Kinoko. I was impatient to see the Lord of the West and I hear that you are rather drawn to a young girl." She needn't say more as Sesshomaru charged forward unseen by the human eye. However, he was stopped by a barrier that sent sparks of energy towards him. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at the orb. "It seems I was not mistaken." Looking at the orb herself, the cloudy features it once had were now clear to reveal the young Rin shrunken and fainted along the bottom.

Looking around, Satomi could see the villagers go into their homes and refuse to look to the tense nature of the situation. They were only human, what could they do against a demon? What could she do? Lesser demons were no problem, but her drive to train any harder for revenge had dwindled since the day she woke up. However, that girl she had a desire to protect regardless. She would do what she could. Even if it meant being drastic.

"The barrier is unique, it isn't a demon barrier, more like an allowance of certain people barrier," Kagome said and Sesshomaru had to rethink his plan.

"Oh, aren't you a smart priestess," Kinoko said with a sinister smile. "Perhaps you should keep your mouth shut." A blast green in color came at her and Inu-Yasha unleashed his backlash wave. It did nothing against the barrier and he groaned in frustration.

"Damn it and we're too close to the village to do much else," he said already noting the grooves in the ground from that attack alone.

"Why don't we just talk, Sesshomaru? Then you may have your human girl back in one piece and we all leave happy?" Kinoko moved forward and the barrier with her. Keeping a distance from barrier, they all remained attentive.

"Then talk," he said clearly not in the mood to deal with her and yet hardly in a state to deny it either.

"Surrender your lands and I will allow your lands to be unharmed. You may rule them under my stead, but you would be mine to command. If you do not comply I will kill your human and everyone I can see in the West. It will be a wasteland. The choice is yours," she said as if she was asking him to pick what was for dinner.

Satomi could hear the growl that emerged from his throat. It was menacing. He was calculating his options, however… there weren't very many.

"Like Hell" Inu-Yasha said as he charged in with the red tessaiga to break the barrier. Everyone was surprised when there was nothing and Kinoko just laughed.

"Oh, my dear, half breed. This barrier is unique. It is attached to a human life, this human life. Your swords are not meant to kill a human… especially an innocent one. If you break the barrier you break her life and kill her," she said rather smug with herself. "Now, Sesshomaru, before we were so rudely interrupted… your choice?"

"I think you're hardly being fair," Satomi said sternly as she stood up straight and tried her best to be confident. Walking forward, she was at the crest of the barrier, she could feel its energy. "If you want to use someone, I hardly think an innocent girl is the way to go. There's more than one way to attain lands, but you demand no loyalty."

"His submission enough would be loyalty, and who the hell are you to question me, you human wench." Firing a blast at her, and before anyone could respond, it dissipated before it could even hit Satomi. "What?"

Everyone was silent, and that included Satomi but now was her chance. Charging full board, she knew she was fast, and she could feel her skin tightening up as she entered the barrier… it allowed her, but she had no time to think. Kinoko's face turned panicked as she blasted wave after wave and disappearing every time. As Satomi touched the orb, there was a wave of power that emerged between the demon girl and the human. Suddenly, there was an explosion of power and both were thrown back as Rin was freed and thrown with them. Satomi could only reach for Rin and take the brunt of the landing as they rolled in the dirt and grass for some distance before sliding to a stop.

Rin's eyes opened as they stopped, and she looked around. All she could remember was going to talk to Kaede and then nothing. Now she was on the side of what looked like a battle scene and in the arms of Satomi who lay unconscious. Everyone was coming to them and she tried to shake Satomi awake. Her savior's body was covered in small cuts from the impact and her clothes looked scorched around the sleeves.

"Wake up," she said as she saw a strange young woman in the other direction of the blast. She was getting up, but she looked mad. "Please wake up." Sesshomaru was the first to her and she looked at Satomi and started tearing up.

"Are you hurt?" he asked not sensing pain, but the tears forming for Satomi.

"No, but she's…"

He sniffed the air and she was still alive. Somehow… "Just unconscious."

Sighing with relief, Rin relaxed slightly but Sesshomaru stood before them. "Stay behind me." The others joined around him, and he was rather annoyed. This was something he could handle himself. Afterall, she was after him.

"You will pay for this defiance. I will not be surprised again, Dog Demon," she said as she disappeared as Sesshomaru ran to her at his lightning fast speed. Even still, missing her and her presence had vanished all together and same with the clouds. There was a small doting of blood where the demoness was, and he could tell she was a daiyokai of her own demon nature. However, the exact type of demon was not clear.

Looking back to Rin and Satomi, he wondered why the woman did it. A sense of need? It wasn't as if she owed Rin anything and now he was in her debt for doing what he could not. Although it pained him to admit it. He reasoned it had something to do with their lineage as potential sisters. If only one was allowed in the barrier and it was Rin, their similar blood could have something to do with it. However, what befuddled him more was the fact Kinoko's powers had no affect on Satomi. In fact, it was something he had never seen in a normal human as he sensed nothing outstanding about the woman. Obviously, she could be useful to his purposes with Rin after all.

Kagome moved to Satomi's side, as she tested her pulse and read her energies. "Well, she's weak and will need rest, but she will live. That was a brave thing she did, and I want to ask her about it when she wakes up. I have never seen a strong demon's attacks evaporate in front of a human before. Also, how she was able to enter the barrier."

Inu-Yasha and the others nodded. But for now they'd have to live with the unknown as Inu-Yasha carried the woman to Kaede's hut to recover.

"You've yet to learn what the pain

From true sadness is like

You've only had but a taste,

But you're a moth to the flame"

The song played over and over in her head as she felt her energy weak from breaking the barrier. How… why? Rin was in danger and she had to help. What other choice did she have when an innocent girl had no power to release herself?

But who helped you?

Waking with a start, she could see Sesshomaru looking at her curiously. She was drenched in sweat and her head hurt something fierce. He simply stood up and it took all of her courage to move. "Wait!" He stopped but didn't turn. She took that as permission. "Is Rin safe?"

"Yes, thanks to you," he said still not turning around, but it had a sense of gratitude and annoyance as he walked out of the hut. As he left, Kagome burst in with towels and a small wash bin.

"Oh, thank goodness you're awake! You caught a fever as you slept, and you were sweating all night," she said with a start as she didn't waste any time trying to cool the young woman down. Sango followed with a small pitcher of water and they had her drink as they helped clean her off.

"How long was I asleep for? What happened?" Satomi asked curiously as she tried to remember herself but found nothing.

"Well, you broke the barrier and then everything went white. You were on one side with Rin and Kinoko on the other. She left and then you were sick soon after. You've been sleeping for one day, but I'm surprised it wasn't longer since you went head first for a demon."

They marveled at it, but Satomi spaced it out. Her dreams plagued her, and the last thought made her anxious, as if there was someone else saying it to her.

"Once you're feeling better, I can bring you to the water falls to bathe," Kagome finally said as they finished up with giving her a new under kimono to wear. Her others were nowhere to be found and she was covered in small cuts and bruises. "Sesshomaru is grateful, despite his cold nature. He's raised that girl for years now, but he's not very good at displaying his emotions at all. He would make sure you were alright while I had to attend to other duties around here. I think he feels it's the least he can do for you at this point. But that's just a guess, who knows for sure."

An Inu Daiyokai grateful? The thought surprised her, but then if he took care of a human girl for years, how bad could he really be?

Chapter 3

"Why are you here, brother?" Sesshomaru said obviously not looking forward to company outside of the village. He had ended up near the tree where Inu-Yasha had been imprisoned. For some odd reason it felt like a good place to think… alone. His mood had been agitated since the attack, and yet he felt obligated to stay until he was sure no more harm would come to Rin. However, the other human… if that was what she was, she was the only one who could get to Rin and that hurt his pride more than anything. Leaving her here with the idea that these demons knew exactly how to counter even the Tessaiga's barrier breaking abilities made him nervous. A feeling he hadn't felt in many years.

"Kagome wanted me to stop by, don't get excited," Inu-Yasha responded gruffly. "Of all the places to be alone, you pick here. Strange, but whatever."

"Get to the point if you would," Sesshomaru responded narrowing his eyes but not looking at his brother.

"Well, aren't we just peachy. Fine. Kagome feels that Satomi should be around Rin for the time being because of the barrier issue. If they can tie a barrier to a source of life, of course our swords forbid us from harming human life if it's pure. But you sensed it too? Their relation?" Inu-Yasha guessed his brother would have figured it out, their blood was similar so hence the source of life allowed Satomi to pass through without an issue. "The only thing that bugs us is how Satomi was able to avoid the energy blast over and over. Kagome's guess is it could have been tied to the barrier, but I sensed something else if only for a split second. I couldn't tell what it was, and I wanted to know what you thought, or rather Kagome wanted to know."

Sesshomaru's silence only agitated Inu-Yasha as he grew impatient by the passing minutes. "Tch, go figure," he finally muttered before Sesshomaru turned around.

"They are sisters to be exact. But I've only heard Rin talk about a brother, mother, and father. It is something I will have to investigate. But yes, if the priestess must know, I did sense something else. Faint, but a scent I cannot place. If that is all, just leave." Sesshomaru didn't have to say it again and he felt his brother's presence speed back to the village. As much as the priestess was an oddity, he respected her ability as a priestess. Respecting a human, had he really fallen from such a stance that he was curious about one human and respected another. Perhaps Inu-Yasha hadn't inherited all of their father's admiration of humans.

A couple days had passed since the attack and the demons would be meeting at his estate tomorrow. He meant to fight, but if an army was unnecessary then he would rather go to settle the issue himself. However, he would need to leave Rin protected since they obviously knew about her. It wasn't like the fact was hidden that he had a small female companion. He just didn't want to think the other lands would be so foolish as to attack him so directly given his position. A part of him wanted to go destroy the North on his own and be done with it. However, as the Lord of the West, that would be more threatening than the other lands would allow. Politics made him sick, he could barely blame his father for escaping it from time to time. There was a way to follow and until he could speak with the real leader of the North, there was not much action he could take if the demoness Kinoko was of someone in high standing of the North quite yet. Just knowing they would underhand him so unexpectedly though made him wonder just what they wanted. Lands, made sense, but there would have to be more he felt for such a deliberate attack.

His thoughts kept him busy as he sat on one of the roots that stood up from the ground a couple of feet. For the first time since he was officially ordained Lord of the West, he was unsure of how to proceed. But one thing was for sure, he was not going to let his guard down. Not until whoever was responsible was dead by his hand.

Inu-Yasha was more than happy to be away from his brother's distain. Always blaming him for their father's death and then with the Tessaiga business, it was worth a good fight or two. However, this time was different. As if his brother saw that he, himself, was vulnerable for the first time in many years. It was a strange thought, but a reality that was slowly setting in by the looks of it. Sesshomaru had a lot of pride, and that was all shattered when he couldn't even protect the one person he wanted to protect most and yet someone else could. Even Inu-Yasha had to admit that would be a hard problem to swallow.

Just as he was nearing the edge of the forest back to the village, he could smell Kagome. She seemed content now, excited for some reason or another but that was far from ordinary. Being his wife, it was the strangest feeling and yet the most fulfilling. She was the strongest priestess of their time, as was Kikyo and yet they couldn't be more different. The difference was how they looked at the world. Kagome was born a normal girl and grew into this powerful being who could slay demons. Kikyo always had the gift and wanted to be normal. A dream he once shared, however, Kagome's heart and acceptance were the best gifts he could ever receive. Even more so than living a human life with her. He would be who he was, and she would be who she was. They would cross the bridge once it came of their difference, but for now he was happy. Truly happy for the first time in his life with the woman he loved.

Approaching the hut where they were keeping Satomi, he saw Kagome come out with the wash bin of water and rags they used to help lower her fever again. The woman was running a fever that was slowly going down, but it was still a rough couple of days. Rin came in and out from time to time to check in, but Satomi slept most of the time.

"So, how's she doing?" he asked carefully, seeing Kagome's tired face.

"I don't know. There's no reason her fever should still be there and yet I can't do anything to break it. If I had my modern stuff that wouldn't be a problem, but I'm limited and running out of options," she said frustrated. "She seems okay besides the fact of sleeping. What did your brother say?"

Inu-Yasha relayed the information about the barrier and faint smell, just left the relation to Rin out of it, and Kagome thought on it and nodded. "Well, that would make sense, but then if she's something other than fully human I'm really out of my realm here. I may not have what's powerful enough either way in that case, or we will have to just let her heal herself which could be dangerous."

"In that case, I will handle it," Sesshomaru said landing from the sky just behind Inu-Yasha making him jump slightly.

"Could you not sneak?!" Inu-Yasha yelled as Kagome tried to hush him.

"If you cannot heal her," Sesshomaru started just ignoring him. "I will take her back to my estate where the demon healers can look into it. If that demoness tries to capture Rin again, I cannot break the barrier it seems and nor can you, brother. If she is the key to keeping Rin safe for now, it is my duty to make sure she is taken care of until that need passes. When that happens, she can do as she likes."

Kagome just shrugged and sighed. "Well, I suppose there's no arguing and I'm not about to try. I've done what I can." Inu-Yasha relaxed and then nodded.

Sesshomaru turned and went into the hut where he saw Rin and Kaede feeling Satomi's forehead and cheeks. They both looked concerned as Rin looked up to him with a saddened face. "Rin, we are leaving," he said simply as he walked forward and kneeling before the sleeping woman.

"But, my lord, I can't leave her here! I have to make sure she…" Rin started obviously upset at the thought until she saw him lift Satomi up. The realization hit, and she smiled. If anyone could make her feel better, she just knew Sesshomaru could find a way. After all, he made her come back from the dead twice now.

"That's why she's coming with. This is not an ordinary illness that humans can cure," he said looking down to the woman now in his arms limp and all too warm. Her simple white yukata was loose around her bosom which made him distracted for a moment although she didn't have too much there. He supposed it was to try and keep her cool. He kept moving with Rin behind him as she wished Kaede well who also followed them out. Jaken was already waiting at the forest edge as he had contacted him before he made his decision. It would be risky but leaving her here and Rin would be riskier. Until the matter was solved, Rin would remain near him and this woman with Rin.

"Please let me know how she does, big brother" Kagome called out as he continued to walk by the small crowd outside the door. Sesshomaru simply looked back and raised his eyebrow before continuing onward as Rin waved good bye to everyone. "I hope she does okay," she prayed as she clasped her hands and hoped everything would work out. If they were on a brink of war, this would be far from the last time of seeing them.

Ah-Un and Jaken waited and Rin wordlessly climbed up on Ah-Un as Jaken nearly bugged his already buggy eyes out of his head. "M-m-mi Lord! A human girl coming with us. Rin I was expecting but…"

"Silence, I have made my choice. A healer is needed," Sesshomaru said as they took off for the skies. Time was working against them, but he was convinced this was no ordinary illness. Theories ran in his head, but none equaled out. He would need someone of better knowledge than he on healing. He had the sword to revive but killing was much more his strong point.

Arriving at the Lord of the West estate, it was a sight to behold. Rin awed at the castle like fortress that was nestled into the base of a mountain, as if half the mountain had swallowed it whole. The pillars around the outside of all three floors of multiple wings were neutral in color with dark and light browns as the rest of the castle was a pristine white. The large stone walkway lead to a forest that they had flown above and then up to the front entrance. A fence the height of three men at least surrounded the court yard and all the way to the mountain base with the gate dark and ominous in stature. Two men were stationed to guard and open it looked like as they both kneeled before their Demon Lord.

"Lord Sesshomaru," they both said as he seemed to ignore them and went inside. Rin followed him quickly as the front door slid open revealing two maids in simple black kimonos and hair up and out of the way. They greeted him in the same manner as they walked by. Wide and tall halls had rooms only blocked off my sliding doors and the wood for the halls were a dark stain. The sliding doors to the outside were open and everything felt so fresh and clean and yet commanding as a Lord's castle should. Finding a grand flight of stairs in the middle of the strong hold, they went up two flights to what seemed to be the area with the bedrooms. A servant was cleaning the floors when he saw his lord and immediately rose. Opening the door Sesshomaru paused at, he closed it as himself and Rin entered bowing on the floor as he did so.

"Wow, everyone is so… attentive," Rin said as she looked around to see not a single speck of dust. There must have been twenty rooms down the massive halls of this floor. Everything simple and yet grand with the minor details. The room they were in were spacious enough with tatami mats lining the entire floor with a comfortable elevated mattress in the middle. It was only elevated beyond the ankles, but it looked so much more comfortable than a mat on the floor. Sesshomaru set Satomi on the side of the bed and looked to Rin.

"I ask that you remain here for the time being. Jaken will be in shortly, but we are in a demon house and until I make it clear to them you are my guest please do not leave. A healer and servant will be in shortly to see to both of your needs," he said putting his hand on her head before leaving as she nodded obediently. She knew how demons could be, and they probably didn't understand yet just what was going on. It didn't seem like Sesshomaru was here often as it was let alone with two humans to follow.

Waiting, Rin hummed a song that Satomi sang quite a bit and opened a window slightly to let the air in. It was fresh enough as it was, but Satomi was not cooling down again. Her breathing was now ragged, and her skin pale. She didn't understand exactly what was going on, but she knew Sesshomaru only did things that were necessary when it came to humans. Plus, Satomi saved her life, and Rin felt she owed her to do everything possible to keep her healthy if she could.

A servant woman walked in with a healer and Jaken. Sesshomaru was nowhere to be found. The servant was quiet and remained off to the side as the healer was a seemingly middle-aged demon with red marks similar to Sesshomaru's on her face. Her red hair to match was kept back in a simple tie and her black hakama pants and white haori top made her an image to behold. She was beautiful, and her blue eyes showed with interest to Satomi. "This is the girl," she said elegantly as Jaken stepped aside.

It wasn't a question, but she went to kneel next to Satomi and breathed in. "Interesting, Maori. Maori, I will need you to entertain the girl, as I will need concentration to work." Looking to Rin, she smiled. "Do not worry child, your friend will be unharmed, I just need you to go with Maori here for a short time."

"But they are not to leave the room," Jaken chimed in obviously trying to keep his master's orders in check.

"Then play quietly as far as they can. I need to concentrate," she repeated obviously losing her patience.

"Come, young Mistress," Maori said quietly. She was a young woman with black short hair and straight cut bangs. Her skin was tanned slightly, and her eyes a dark brown. Maori seemed very human for being a demon, Rin thought as she moved to the other side of the room as they simply waited and watched the healer do her work. "My Master, Hana, will heal your friend. I know she can." There was a great admiration and respect in her voice and Rin could only watch in awe.

"Satomi," Hana called out in a mesmerizing voice. "Let me in." Her hands went to Satomi's collar bone and her forehead. Satomi sucked in a sharp breath before letting it out. Hana closed her eyes, and everything was quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Jaken and the two women just sat in the corner of the room and they could feel two energies swarming the room. It was almost visible as a light blue and dark red aura swirled but remained separate.

---

Inside, Satomi could only feel the heat as she struggled to wake up. She wanted to awaken, she could hear everyone. It would be quiet for a time, and then she felt hands around her. Hands with so much blood it should have scared her, but she felt comforted as she felt nothing but the need to heal from them. But they couldn't so they were helpless. Quiet again until now. Someone was trying to enter her mind… but she didn't know if she could trust them.

"Ah, so this is where you've been hiding," a woman called out to Satomi and it echoed in the darkness that consumed her mind. "It seems lonely."

"Who are you?" Satomi asked defensively as she wanted to push the being out. She certainly wasn't human.

"My name is Hana and I'm a healer. You are very sick, you absorbed the demon energy to protect that girl and it is too much. If you keep it, you will die. Even though… you are not a pure blood human. You are interesting to me as you are not quite… well anything I've ever seen. The Lord of the West knows this, but he cannot see what I see. The Moon shines within you somehow, my little canary. I see your memories and pain. You poor child," Hana said as she outstretched a hand to Satomi.

"You know nothing!" Satomi lashed out almost in tears. "I have no one and nothing anymore besides myself and my memories."

"Oh? Then that girl?" Hana asked simply as Satomi gained an enlightened image. Rin's look, her alikeness that Satomi couldn't help but notice.

"She couldn't be… could she?"

"Ah, but the dead can rise when Sesshomaru wills it on a pure soul. Did you ever ask how he met the girl? 'Tis quite the story in the demon world as much as he tries to keep it quiet. A young girl killed from demon wolves who won over our lord. Humans probably assumed she was just to stay dead, but then… nothing is what they seem, child."

"What do you mean I'm not pure human?" Satomi asked trying to wrap her mind around the fact that Rin could very well be her long-lost sister.

"I mean you are interesting and yet you smell human and look human, but I smell something much darker. No normal human could absorb demon energy and yet here you are. Not a demon, not half… much less and yet maybe not demon at all. Perhaps the best of a demon."

"You're wrong," she lashed out again as the healer continued to be cool and calm.

"Perhaps, yet here we are. Wake up now, girl. Your fate is not yet chosen by the dead."

---

Waking up again with a start, Satomi was drenched in sweat as Hana sat next to her with a smile. "Welcome back, child."

Rin and Jaken seemed to fly over so fast to her bedside in both awe and curiosity.

"You're really awake! We were so worried and Sesshomaru brought you to his home, so we could find someone to heal you!" Rin was so excited as she went on and on about what happened the last two days. Satomi could remember when Kagome and Sango talked to her but not much more after that, just drifting in and out. Satomi just looked at her in wonder and slowly tears started welling up. She could see it before but couldn't believe it. Reaching out to Rin who was only an arm's length away, she cupped the girl's cheek and cried. She couldn't bring herself to find the words she wanted to say.

"I'm so sorry," was all she could get out between the tears and small sobs. "I couldn't do more…"

"You did so much! You saved my life, it's okay," Rin said as she hugged Satomi. She did not understand the true meaning of the tears, but Satomi didn't have to explain it yet. She wanted time to adjust and it was beyond anything she could have asked for. She would protect her little sister until death took her. It was now her only mission in life.

"Your job is done, Healer," Jaken said sternly as he watched Hana. She had a warm smile to the reunion ahead of her.

"Yes, yes it is," she said with a nod as she rose up and left to the sliding door.

"Wait… Hana…," Satomi said wiping her tears. "Thank you."

"I'm sure we will meet again, child." Walking out of the door, she left Maori there with the girl. Maori was a healer in training, but Sesshomaru commanded one competent be left here if Hana herself could not. Maori was the only one Hana trusted with the task and not to anger the Lord of the West. Walking herself out of the estate, she saw the lord himself near the gate arriving it seemed. "It is done," she said with a deep bow.

"I trust my suspicions were correct," he said looking up to where the room would be. He could sense her normal energy returning.

"Well, she absorbed demon energy and that was what made her sick. She's something other than human but it is curious. I extracted it and flushed it out of her body myself. Not a half demon but maybe not demon at all. Human surrounds her but doesn't claim her soul. However, no human could absorb demon's energy like that. She would be good to keep around the girl as I assume whoever did this will try at least once more. Call for me if you need assistance as ever, Lord Sesshomaru," Hana said as she moved aside as he passed her with a simple nod of acknowledgement of what she spoke.

This girl had a great destiny before her, that much Hana could see. However, she was no seeress to see exactly what that was. But she was on the path to lead to great growth or destruction, it would be her choice.

Chapter 4

Sesshomaru had come to take Rin so Satomi could get some much-needed rest as the full recovery began with Maori remaining to help. It was known that Rin and Satomi were to be treated as guests of the estate, but Sesshomaru knew that was easier said than done. The servants would obey, but the company that followed into the next day would be less inclined as they were their own rulers. However, in his lands, the penalty for disobedience was death. As he showed Rin the room next door to Satomi's and then the kitchens and gardens, she was so entranced that she could barely think about anything else.

The gardens were not in the natural sunlight, but in the mountain with moon lilies and other night blossoms illuminated by reflections from lightning bugs and other demon sources of faint light around the area. Like lanterns almost, they glowed along the path that seemed to go on forever. Small ponds with frogs and crickets sounded lightly for a calm atmosphere. The bath house was beyond that as natural pods of water made for private bathing in many sections of the area provided. In here it was much brighter, Rin presumed it was another demon ability. There was a female attendant with golden hair that bowed when they arrived. Dark brown eyes and a flushed complexion with a small line of freckles on her nose adorned her face. Her stature was short, but she had her hair tied back and a light blue yukata because it was so warm here.

"Lord Sesshomaru," she said as she bowed to the floor. "Mistress Rin, welcome to the bathhouse."

"Wow, in a mountain?" Rin said with wonder.

"Yes, little one. It is the safest place to bathe and next to the Moonlit Gardens, it is truly a rejuvenating experience. Are you here for a bath, my lord?" Still bowing to her lord, he simply nodded as she looked up to see his response.

"There will be another later," he said simply. "The caretaker of Rin, a woman named Satomi."

"She has been sick, so I hope she can come down later, she looked awfully tired," Rin commented with a worried look on her face.

"I am the lady of the bathhouse, I will give her my best rejuvenating and healing blend for you, Mistress Rin. I will close off the bathhouse, so you may be in peace," she said leaving the two of them alone.

Sesshomaru went to one side where the bath water would be much hotter than a few spots over where he sent Rin to be. It was the safest place to be in this fortress as far as where most could go. There were others, but he rather enjoyed this one. The faint falling of the water running into the small pools was enough to melt the stress, and yet he never really could enjoy this place. Just enough to bathe and get out to do his next duty for the most part. Rin seemed to enjoy herself as he heard her humming and singing songs the human woman would sing.

He undressed, his body flawless and strong. Scars didn't tend to form on him and the fact his arm was regenerated was much easier to deal with now. He sunk into the water so only his chest showed and leaned back against the warm, smooth rocks that lined the small pool. The heat would damage a human, but the intense heat of the water melted a small amount of his stress.

"Lord Sesshomaru, what do you think of her?" Rin asked after some time later as he almost forgot he had company.

"She is here for a purpose, to protect you. That is all I think," he said as final words. He did not wish to think of it, and the fact he did this much surprised even him.

"I'm glad. Something about her is familiar, and yet I don't remember. She is very nice, beautiful, and brave. I hope she meets a good husband one day," Rin said more to herself than to the demon a short distance away. "Or even if she doesn't, I just want her around. Jaken may not like her much, he doesn't really like humans, but I like her. Ah-Un doesn't seem to mind either…" She went on as Sesshomaru listened halfheartedly. He would leave it to themselves to figure out the whole sister business, in the meantime, she was useful. A damage to his pride, but a necessary one for now until he could break the barrier himself. Or until the demoness died.

Satomi laid in the bed, but she couldn't find sleep. Maori was by her side silently and it didn't seem to bother her. The fact she slept off and on for two days was bothersome enough. The dreams bothered her, but the fact that Rin was her own sister and she didn't see it was even worse. She could feel the connection but chose to ignore it for two weeks. That alone was enough to rile up her blood.

"I think I've slept enough," she finally said after a good long while after Sesshomaru came for Rin. He had been rather abrupt, asking Rin to follow him so that Satomi could sleep. His wording was 'Come, Rin. It is safe now' so Satomi could have been putting words in the meaning, but she was both annoyed and thankful. However, without the able to rest part, it was rather pointless.

"Do you need something Miss Satomi?" Maori asked with a small smile.

"A bath would be nice. I know I was wiped down, but I still feel like death and sweat," she said wrinkling her nose with annoyance. "Perhaps even a drink…" she said as an afterthought.

"What kind of drink, Miss?"

"Sake, warm sake," she answered blissfully as she laid back down on the bed thinking about it. It had been almost a month since a patron had offered her a drink and she never bought it with her own hard-earned money. Something about the blissful reaction made Maori laugh quietly.

"Is there a preferred order?" Maori asked playfully.

"Are you making fun of me?" She was surprised a demon could make jokes, but they both giggled at the thought. "But preferably both at the same time."

"I'm sorry, I just find your reaction rather entertaining somehow. Forgive me," Maori said as she wiped a small tear from the laughter.

"No need to be sorry, I'm just surprised." Waving her hand as she sat back up, she pushed the blankets back to stand up on her own. The blood rushed, and she wobbled before gathering her bearings. "Well, now that the legs are cooperating, shall we go?" she asked stepping side to side.

"No need to be in a hurry, Miss. I can take you to the bathhouse, but you'll be surprised that it is actually inside the mountain. Truly magnificent as I have only worked here once or twice before. Do not tell the Lord Sesshomaru, but Hana took me as she said that it is the best kept secret here. Many who meet the Lord of the West were pleased to come here simply for these baths," Maori said bashfully as they made their way out of the room and down the hall.

"I will take it to my grave," she said as they continued to small talk as servants bowed respectfully to them as they passed. Her light Yukata was rather strange to wear publicly as she thought it was embarrassing without her usual attire of leggings underneath. Easier to run or fight when you didn't have to worry about being a lady and such. They talked about Maori's family as she came from a small part of a branch from Toga's, Sesshomaru's father, side and has been on the outside of the circle of the greater dog demons. The politics were weird to Satomi, but she supposed it was much the same with human nobility. If you weren't in the direct family, you were looked as less than equal.

A couple of servants opened large wooden doors with the crescent moon symbol that revealed the way to the Moonlit Gardens. She felt very at home as she stopped to soak in the elaborate design. The stone path ahead of them was weaved throughout many sections that could lead to many parties enjoying the gardens while remaining separate. Ponds with small streams connecting each other and small bridges over those, koi fish swam to greet any by passers willing to see their beauty. She had to admit her night vision was better than most, she didn't know if it was a consequence of being trapped for years by Naraku's curse or simply something she always had and didn't realize. The lanterns illuminated the path and floated near them as they walked, she presumed it was like that with everyone who came through as the lightning bugs remained either near the water or a good distance above their heads.

"This is amazing," Satomi whispered as a Koi fish with beautiful iridescent white with spots of black and orange greeted her below the water. Another with black and white swirled patterns joined as well before they both swam off and jumped in unison as if showing off to her. "I could stay here forever." Musing at the thought, she realized this stay would be short lived. Sesshomaru didn't seem the type to give charity. There was a purpose to her being there and she could safely guess what that was.

"Wait until you see the baths," Maori said breaking Satomi's day dreaming as they both continued to walk to another set of doors where the bathhouse maiden bowed politely.

"I apologize, but the lord is bathing and may not be disturbed," she said with a polite yet apologetic face. She didn't seem to mind Satomi's human self, and yet Satomi wondered how many accepted her because they could or because they were ordered to. Demons weren't usually so polite, but then she had met very limited noble working demons.

"I suppose we can wait for him to finish, he had a time bringing me back and probably had a lot on his mind," Satomi said before Maori looked more cross.

"This woman has been ill, the demon lord himself has instructed me to care for this girl and she is in need of a bath with warm sake. I will handle his wrath, but I will not allow her to be in this state so long as I can do something about it. If he wishes to kill me, then it is his will," Maori said as Satomi tried to calm her down by walking in front of her.

"I'm so sorry," Satomi said to the lady of the bathhouse as she snapped her head back to Maori. Before she could chastise further, the golden haired woman widened her eyes with amusement and put her hand on Satomi's shoulder. Satomi looked back confused as the woman smiled expectantly.

"You must be Satomi, for the demon lord himself to speak a human girl's name, you are expected. My apologies, I will escort you to the baths as I send the sake with Maori here for you," she said opening the door slightly enough for the two women to come in. "The temperature suitable for a human is to this side," using her right hand to sweep displaying what would be tolerable. "Please use any you deem the most relaxing."

From the distance, Rin's voice rang out. "Satomi! Join me!" Satomi had to squint through the fog of the room. There was Rin in a bath alone, looking around, she glanced to the left to find none other than Sesshomaru himself as he angled his head for a moment before looking off in the distance as he was. Satomi looked to the lady and Maori as they smiled and went off their own way. Following the path to Rin's location, she glanced at Sesshomaru to make sure he wasn't looking before stripping down and stepping into the water.

Taking in a deep breath, she relaxed immediately as she felt the last two days of sweat, grime, and blood fade away. As if the event never took place. Rin looked so content to see her that she was smiling ear to ear. "I'm so glad you could make it before we left! I love this place! Did you see the gardens? I mean you must have before you came in, but it's beautiful! Too bad I can't see a whole lot because it's so dark, but maybe if we stay in there for a bit my night vision will get better?"

"Well, yes, I did see the gardens. I would love to spend time with you there and who knows maybe you'll see a fish or two in the streams," Satomi answered with a smile as Rin and her talked about all the things they could do together and see.

Their companion a few pools off couldn't help but smirk. He was never one to indulge in idle chat, but for some reason he was enjoying their conversation although he'd never admit it. He could bring up the situation later, probably after the meeting with the other Demon Lords tomorrow. After that he would know more of where he stood. He was willing to let Rin occupy Satomi's time as Rin was so willing to do and Satomi was a willing recipient. Amazingly enough, her presence didn't bother him as much as most other beings did.

His father made this as a strong hold for demons to wage war from a vantage point. It was Sesshomaru's most favored locations out of the estates he could chose from. Mostly because of the lack of human interactions here. The mountain was considered cursed, so he was unbothered when he remained here for any length of time. He could only wonder what would possess him to bring two humans willingly, although one was practically his own daughter. How fast the world was changing around him.

Looking up when he heard steps walking towards them, it was Maori with a bottle of sake and saucer, glazed clay cups to drink from. She also had another yukata and towels. "Would you care for a drink, my lord?" He nodded as she set the cup down beside him and poured. Setting a towel down beside the cup, she took her leave and to his surprised walked over to Satomi. He didn't see many women drink, but she seemed all too happy to have a cup.

"Thank you so much Maori," she called out with joy as he looked back to her, as she was obviously distracted. He could see her collar bone and part of her cleavage. Although she was far from a curvy woman, she was still a woman. Looking away again, he could tell she was beautiful on human terms and she had a very well-kept complexion. Honor told him that he shouldn't have looked. The demon side said otherwise, it was his right as lord of this house and of the west. He took the cup and swallowed the whole cup in one drink. Maori returned and refilled without question as the liquid sent a tingle down his throat. Honor won out that round, after all she was… well mostly human if nothing else. The lack of knowing the other scent bothered him. Centuries of living exposed him to nearly every scent of demon, human and everything in between and yet there was something unknown. The demons of the South had the seeress that would more than likely attend. Perhaps she would have insight, he thought as he slowly sipped the next cup.

As the lady of the bath came by to enchant the water with healing properties for Satomi's bath, he could smell the different scents distracting him from the thought of Satomi's mystery. The lavender in particular filled his senses and he could better concentrate on what he would say to the other demon lords. It was a full-time job to be the Lord of the West, and he could only hope he could do the job as well as his father did and hope to even surpass him.

"Satomi," Rin said after she could feel her head spinning from the heat of the room. "Do you think we can go? The heat is making my head funny."

"Of course, I could go for the gardens once more," she said as she noticed Sesshomaru was still not looking. Quickly getting out, she only had one cup of sake but no food with it. Her head swirled as she dried herself off before dropping the towel, concentrating too hard on her balance to notice a certain dog demon getting a full view. She didn't remember being such a light weight. Bending her knees to go down to reach for her clean, red and white yukata, she looked over to find him looking at her before turning away with no emotion what so ever, fully clothed… unlike her. Rin was oblivious as Satomi froze and her face flushed a crimson red. Rin carried on putting on her clean yellow yukata with green flower embroidery.

Quickly throwing on her yukata and tying it securely, she swore she could have died from embarrassment. Not only did he see her, but there was zero reaction. Talk about a mind of steel. Or maybe he just didn't care about human women… or whatever she was. That only bothered her slightly as she had no proof to say either way. What happened when she saved Rin was unusual, but it was the only occurrence she could remember of absorbing a demon energy. It was all too much.

As they left the bath, Maori looked to Satomi with a sympathetic smile. She saw the whole thing… Satomi could have cried then and there. However, Rin pulling Satomi faster out of the doors as the lady bowed and waved them good bye.

Rin looked at every corner as Satomi was pulled with as Sesshomaru walked ahead and waited by the door. He wasn't impatient, but Satomi was more than willing to prolong walking near him again. Her face flushed every time she looked at him. This would be a very long time here no matter how short. He must have been used to the woman body, and she couldn't help but wonder just how many demonesses and such he had… nope, she refused to think about it any further.

"Rin let us go to our room. I'm sure Lord Sesshomaru has much to prepare for tomorrow," she offered with a small smile. She tried to let confidence shine through, but she could tell her voice was shaky yet.

"Oh, I suppose we could. We can always come back later," she said as she held Satomi's hand and led her to Sesshomaru.

"Lead them to their rooms. I will be in my study if I am needed," he said to Maori as she bowed and obeyed his command leading the ladies up as he walked the main floor beyond them.

As soon as he was out of ear shot, Maori looked to Satomi with a devilish smile. "How brazen," she said looking innocently up as Satomi snapped her head back and blushed profusely.

"It's not like I realized he was looking… shut it," she said not used to being riled up. Maori giggled as she opened the doors for them.

"What did I miss?" Rin asked and they both replied, Satomi panicked and Maori still giggling "Nothing."

Satomi laid back down on the bed and quickly went to sleep as the center door between the bedrooms were opened. Maori entertained Rin as she was still energized a while longer before she too fell into a deep sleep next to Satomi even though she had her own bed. Maori watched them intently with content to make sure they were undisturbed.

She could sense Sesshomaru's approach and opened the door to the hall. "My Lord," she said moving aside. "They fell asleep soon after we arrived. I believe Satomi will make a full recovery."

"Very well. Be sure they stay here tomorrow. I do not need complications with the Demon Lords although they will not mean to cause any. If I need them I will call," he said as she nodded and bowed deeply as he left. Maori noticed his gaze linger a moment too long before she bowed, and he walked away. Closing the door again, she smiled with contentment. How much he had changed since she last saw him. Still cold, but hardly as icy in his demeanor. Truly becoming more like Toga little by little.

Chapter 5

The day of the Demon Lords' meeting had arrived. The halls were spotless and floors sparkling as the servants made sure that their master's demands were met and exceeded. Everyone was where they needed to be and kept busy in the chaos. Sesshomaru was in his own quarters making sure his mind and body were ready for the coming hours. While he was the youngest demon, he was known as the most ruthless. Gaining their trust was the problem because they feared to go against him. Koga of the East was never one to back down from a fight. An older demon of the sea named Kaito was the demon lord of the South. Both would be due any minute, and he had to make sure the alliance was strong. Damn the politics, he missed the days he could just go somewhere to fight his own battles.

Leaving his room, he could hear the laughter from the other wing as the two humans in his care entertained each other. Rin was like a daughter to him, growing up before him was such an oddity as demons aged much slower. Satomi, Rin's older sister, was much more complex. There was no actual emotional attachment other than curiosity, he thought. However, that wasn't quite right either. He was jealous of her in ways he couldn't understand. To protect someone and the ability to do so at any given notice was being taken away, and she was the only one who fully could. However, she was mostly human, the damage she could do to a demon was actually rather severe and yet seemed unpredictable. If he were to rely on her for Rin's full care, then she would have to be trained and fast. This war could happen today or months from now and he would have to know that he could fight without being distracted.

Walking through the hall to the area they would meet, outside on the mountain side in isolation at a long, low set table, a servant came to approach him. His guest had arrived, he could smell the salt of the sea and the wolf scent from the mountains. He nodded, waving the servant off. It was now or never, he walked slowly in his own terms to think instead of act as he was so used to doing. He considered himself an intelligent demon, and yet this was new to him. Taking in a deep breath, he could show no weakness. He was the Lord of the West and this was his domain, with that thought, he pushed open the doors that lead to the outside meeting area.

Koga and Kaito both stood and bowed respectively and Sesshomaru bowed in return. They were equals here in his home and in rank, he had to remember that. "Greetings to my home," he said coolly. "Shall we begin?"

Koga looked around and back to Sesshomaru. "I see Dog demons like the quiet, would never have guessed considering your younger, half-wit, brother."

"We have different tastes."

Kaito was a tanned skin demon with dark brown eyes and small gills behind his ears. He looked like a middle-aged human with slight wrinkling, but Sesshomaru knew he was much older than even his own father would have been. He smiled slightly and looked to the two young lords. "Well, I for one enjoy the peace, defending the south has been exhausting from the storms. The North has been slowly descending upon us, releasing demons we had never seen before for centuries. A dragon, for instance, a dragon that favors the sea has been most troublesome. Before I killed him, he told me a fearsome story of the Lord of the North making strong demons cower before giving a choice. Follow or die. Tortures that would make any demon break. Mates butchered, families slaughtered, he cares not how it happens, only that death and fear remain. Truly a horrible event."

Sesshomaru thought on that. A demon that tortured for pleasure was hardly rare, but to do it so brutally and as dishonorably made a nerve tick. Koga must have thought so too, as he drew in his brow and tightened his fist. This Koga was a hot-headed demon, but they all seemed aligned with the same goal. This Lord of the North had to be destroyed. Reason didn't seem possible.

"A young demon woman came to seek my submission, although she was not as prepared as she thought. She didn't die, although I would have rather been done with it then. She projects a barrier on a human life and if you destroy the barrier, you destroy the life."

"That is an ancient dark power," Kaito said closing his eyes as he remembered. "A power sealed away in Mount Asahi for centuries. A demon and a priestess once made a pact. Their dark pact made the hillsides crumble and the area into a wasteland of destruction. Then your father, Sesshomaru, destroyed them using his three swords of Heaven, Earth, and Hell. It took all three to subside the two. He also had someone on his side, a Deity of sorts. He allied herself with his cause and sacrificed her life. Sora I do believe was her name and she was the deity of the skies. A child of the goddess Marici, she gave up her longevity for the good of human kind. Your father took to her kindness to humans, and perhaps cared for her and would have been more infatuated if not for her death. Truly a unique story and one of the few times, maybe even the only time, a deity showed herself to assist a demon."

"A deity? I mean I suppose so, but you never see them anymore," Koga said with a little disbelief. He was hardly aware that half mutt and Sesshomaru's father was so respected. Former Lord of the West made sense though considering how Sesshomaru handled himself. Koga had to learn the hard way. His tribe with Ayame's made sure to secure his claim on the East, but it was no easy task. The politics were lost to him, but all he could do was what was best for his people. That was as far as he could get for the most part, this being the first major meeting of the Lords of current times.

"That's because, young wolf demon, they remain hidden among humans. Gifting them when fate demands or their will says. They could purify us with a single touch and yet usually will leave that to the mikos that they bless with their abilities of purity. Their off spring do their duty and even more rare are those in a generation that are unknown to their fate. Every eighth generation, there is a deity born into each family of power, even if they no longer have that power. The beginning of the generations varies, but I can usually tell what they feel like. The fight in the North made that obvious years ago. However, the scents have become less common now and I could very well miss them. Slippery fish, as one can say." Chuckling at his own joke, he sighed heavily. "If we had one, that would tip the scales in our favor. However, it seems he may too have something up his sleeve, this Lord of the North."

It was very quiet for a moment before Sesshomaru perked up his ears. Not even looking behind him, he could smell Rin close by. The other two read up on that as well and tensed.

"Humans here?" Koga said curiously raising an eyebrow as Kaito simply looked amused.

"Oh, she's a lovely one and very charming," Kaito said although there was not any human in sight, either Satomi or Rin. Suddenly, both girls came bursting through the door in a laughing heap followed by a mortified Maori.

"I'm so sorry, my Lord. I told them to stay in their room, but I could not keep them from exploring," Maori explained with a deep bow. The day had been too boring, and Satomi was not about to sit this out while the fate of Japan was being decided. Rin and she made a pact to break out and run to the meeting, although the plan beyond that was rather hazy.

"I will take full responsibility," Satomi said as Kaito smiled and stood up. Koga remained seated, eyeing the elder demon with careful eyes. "I just… uh…." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes as Kaito approached Satomi who was now standing with Rin behind her.

"Well… you are a strange human, aren't you?" Kaito said eyeing her curiously. Her aura was different from a human and yet she smelled just like one. "Tell me, child, what would you like to say?"

"I wish to help, even if I can't do much right now. My life had been turned into shambles from the demon Naraku and I was powerless no matter how I tried. I wish to become stronger to be useful in the coming fight and to know that the demoness, Kinoko is brought to justice. I refuse to let other families be torn apart from a demon's rampage or will," she said straightening up and becoming confident the more she declared her intentions.

"Well, my girl, I do believe you have a use yet," Kaito said as he reached into his haori and pulled out a small blue gem on a necklace. "May this serve you well, as I do not know what powers it holds, but know it will keep you safe within its power." The necklace was long enough to just slide over her head and hide just barely in her yukata.

Not sure of what to do, Satomi and Rin both bowed and left curiously with Maori who ushered them out quickly. Sesshomaru could hear Maori chastise them down the hall and he had to hold back a smirk. They would hear about this later. "May I ask what you gave my guest?"

"A gift I was told to give from your father if I ever met a human with her aura. If you presumed it lethal, I presume I would be dead."

Sesshomaru did allow a smirk then as they continued to talk options, he would have to talk to Kaito about that later. The hardest part was done, the alliance forged with their union against the North. However, Sesshomaru was now curious on his father's role in this. Even in death, he seemed to know just what would happen hundreds of years later. A gift that was truly to be admired and annoying.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"I told you not to go! I will be punished, not you, you silly foolish humans," Maori said over and over as they walked back to the room. "The only saving grace is that the demon lord Kaito gave you favor. He has an admiration for humans, but still he doesn't just gift any item to a human. This will surely be my end."

Satomi and Rin could only be sympathetic for so long as they comforted the demon as best they could. Food was served in their room as they remained there until Maori said the demon lords were on the move. It was almost dusk by then, and Satomi was needing another adventure by then. Suddenly Sesshomaru opened the doors. "Satomi, come with me," he said without any indication of the emotion behind the invitation.

Nodding, she left a bewildered Maori and Rin behind as they walked in silence back to the outdoor meeting place where only Kaito remained. Had Maori sensed correctly, or just perhaps the other demon had left. Bowing low, she stayed until hearing him stand. He approached her, and she raised up completely. Holding her jaw lightly, she fought the urge to twist it out of his grasp as he tilted her eyes to his. He was taller than her by a good few inches and although he looked a little older, he was still rather handsome with only wisps of grey in his black sleek hair that was tied back at the base of his neck.

"I never thought I'd see the day," he said quietly as he released her and went to the ground to a deep bow. "A deity in human form of the eighth generation. I am honored to see your presence."

Sesshomaru looked at the demon and then back to Satomi with readable shock on his face. He didn't understand, but it made sense with the story of his father. That orb was like the one Inu-Yasha had in his eye, the black pearl that held his father's tomb. Perhaps his father had a secret there as well, but the idea would have to be asked later.

"I'm… confused," she said backing up a step shocked from what was said. "What do you mean a deity?"

"Yes, Satomi, a deity of the moon. The god Tsukuyomi had blessed your family with the eighth generation of his likeness to be born if no other off spring had been made by this point. You are the walking deity of earth gifted by the moon. Your eyes cannot hide it and the pendant that was given also shows your heritage as it has turned into white." Nodding to the necklace, it was now glowing white with a faint image of the moon. She held it in her hand and stared at it for a moment before shaking her head.

"I must be dreaming, I could not be a deity."

"Naraku could not kill you, the demoness could not kill you, and even if we wished to… we could not kill you. You are first and foremost human, but if you accept your heritage you will surpass us all. You did say you wished to help, did you not?"

Not being one to faint, she felt overwhelmed suddenly. The spot where the orb rested on her neck was warm, too warm. Warmth enveloped her as she could feel herself falling. Sesshomaru caught her and he looked up to Kaito suspiciously. "My father knew this day would come, didn't he?"

"He always had a knack for it. The orb helps to release the latent power apparently, if she chooses to accept, she would be the most powerful force this world has ever seen. Deities can absorb demon powers, but if they do not show their true form, it can poison them. This woman is our ace in this war that we now face. You have intentions to have her protect the girl, but she may very well be more advantageous on the front line. It is up to you Lord of the West." Kaito said as he summoned water at his feet and it floated him up into the sky, forming like waves in the direction of his flight.

Sesshomaru sighed annoyed at his father's ingenuity with the future plans of this world. So, was his intent to have Sesshomaru follow a different path, or the same? To make the land of the North safe once more on his own or to seek the help of a deity once more. There was no denying that he needed the help of Satomi for Rin, but could the war be done sooner if the Deity within her came to the surface? Instead of taking her to her room, he escorted her to the Moonlit Gardens. Laying her down on a long bench, he thought and waited until she awoke not too long after arriving.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" she asked as she brought her hand to her head. Her body hurt, but it wasn't feverish. Just strange, like waves of pressure were crashing into her.

"Are you well?"

"I've had worse," she said trying to laugh it off but miserably failing. He could sense her lie, but he knew better than anyone that pride often would get in the way of what was going on. He could smell her pain and anguish.

"You could be of use. I have thought of it and I have decided. Rin is your main and only concern. Protect her with any powers you can use. Accept your heritage and protect Rin. That is my request of you," he said as he stood facing away from her.

She baffled at the thought, but then a form of tranquility formed around her. If she could stay to protect Rin, she could stay here with them. If she didn't accept and couldn't protect Rin, she would have to go because there would be no use for her. There was no choice.

"A deity, huh?" she asked quietly to herself before standing wobbly and bowing down deeply. "I accept your request."

He walked away before looking back with an unyielding gaze. "I will bring Hana back to reevaluate where we stand. I will settle for nothing else than exceptional power from you. If I cannot protect Rin myself, I will have to trust you can without fail. Then and only then will I allow you to be accepted to help as you wish. Understood?"

All she could do was nod as they walked out of the gardens. Escorting her back to the room, Maori could sense the power shift and marveled as Rin went to Sesshomaru and apologized for earlier. Satomi blanked out the noise as her head was spinning yet. She felt overwhelmed but not as before. Now it was more mental than physical. Looking to the sky, she was grateful Maori opened the windows. The moon was beautiful and full as it seemed to call to her. Beckoning her to accept it.

For a moment, Sesshomaru swore he saw a golden-haired woman with long white robes where Satomi stood. Her Deity form? He stared a moment longer than he would dare, but he could tell this would either be the riskiest idea or the safest idea his father had in mind. A deity in his home? Time seemed to stand still as she slowly turned around, bright blue eyes meeting his in a moment before he saw Satomi in her human appearance looking at him confused. The breath was taken away from him as he excused himself from the room.

Dangerous, the riskiest idea his father ever had. Toga had a way of having things his way, but a moon deity in the house of dog demon lord was something even he had a hard time wrapping his head around. Taking to the baths, he stayed until he could scarcely think anymore. However, a song caught his attention when he left the bath. Satomi was singing, probably unable to sleep, looking up to the lanterns. She stood without looking at him and Sesshomaru could tell something was off. Wandering off with a light step he had never seen before from her, he followed cautiously.

When they stopped, they were in the meeting place where the moon was full and showed brightly. Under the moonlight, the long blonde hair appeared like a shadow where the light hit. Her eyes a bright blue where the light hit and long white robes in the same way. Half human, half deity. The song resembling a lullaby stopped and he could tell she was in a trance.

"Lord Sesshomaru, we meet at last," she said with an angelic tone as the deity form completely took over. "Satomi sleeps now, but I wished to meet you alone."

"You are the deity?"

"Of course, I am Satomi as my father gave me no name. The humans named this body and so I shall keep the name for myself as well. I share the girl's memories and what kept her alive from the despicable Naraku years ago. You are in need of my abilities to protect the human girl, yes?"

"That was my request," he answered short, he knew she meant no harm but for the abilities to wake and now she led Satomi's body as if a puppet. The deity was a dangerous one to make an enemy and this was only just the beginning.

"Then I have a request as well, Lord of the West," she said walking to him and placing a hand on his cheek. He stood still and only allowed it out of curiosity. "However, you will not like it." She paused and sighed. "I wish for your demonic energy, not much to absorb."

He narrowed his gaze and grabbed her wrist. "I do not wish for a battle; a simple touch will suffice."

Looking to his hand grasping her wrist she smiled and shook her head. "No, the little I require must be done differently. A small kiss is all I need, demon lord."

Chapter 6

His eyes widened at her request, and she smiled coyly in return. Not letting go of her wrist, he unconsciously gripped it tighter. The feeling in that hand slowly diminished, but she stood her ground waiting for his verbal reaction. He was almost adorable with how unsure he was to take that information. His eyes and heart were saying two different things, his eyes were cold, but she could hear his heart beat ever so faster. Even if it was faint, she could tell if he didn't acknowledge something for the human girl then his heart betrayed him.

"Well, what will it be? My help or hoping she will be able to harness a deity's power on her own if I am not fully able to give it. I leave the choice up to you, Sesshomaru," she said unyielding her eyes to his. His amber eyes entranced her even if they didn't tell his true intentions. The deity was able to be as unrelenting and that made him uncomfortable, if not a little frustrated. Oh, she would enjoy this. "I know what I would choose, and if you are who I know you to be, you do not gamble. You calculate very carefully and you…"

He outstretched towards her shoulder with his other arm and pulled her forward. His head bent down ever so slightly as she was caught completely unaware. Her eyes widened and met with his as his lips came down to hers firmly. Ungraceful, but far from uncomfortable, she closed her eyes out of instinct and let his demon powers flow through her. Slowly awakening, she could feel her deity power stretching out of its small quarters and out of her body. Golden flecks swarmed them like fireflies as she no longer needed his kiss for power, but all for pleasure.

His own eyes had shut for a moment before opening them and moving away from her. Sesshomaru could feel her power and looked at her expecting an answer in return. "Do we have a deal?"

"With a performance like that, it's hard to say no," she said with a shrug and smile to taunt him. "At least I could hardly say you hate the human girl…" Trailing off, she could tell he was not impressed with her insight. Or rather, he wished she hadn't noticed at all. "Something I said? You shouldn't be so serious." Shaking a finger at him, she laughed innocently as she spun on her tip toes and took in the night sky. "I never thought I'd be able to see the light of day again. That cave was so dark, and her soul was so sad. It took all I had to keep her alive. She almost had Naraku if she would have tapped into my powers. I became dormant after two years of protecting her, but now I can see the moon again. Thanks to you, Sesshomaru. You have my thanks."

"I did not do it for you," he said simply as he walked away and back inside. She smiled and waved him off as she looked to the sky and enjoyed the night sky in solitude.

"The one and only has come

And there can only be one

And at last I am here.

Why can't I even breathe standing in the wreckage

The rain, a lullaby

So, I close my eyes

I'm powerless

I'm meaningless

Like every scar…

Through it all I can hear

Someone whispering 'come near'"

Listening from safe within the walls, he found himself curious about this deity. No wonder his father would have found himself curious as well. The realization half left him proud to be like his father and disgusted at the thought. Humans were tolerable, but a deity was unknown. As if to be a ghost one could almost reach but disappear and this one asked for his power. Never kissing a woman before, he could only go off what he noticed in passing. The actual event was interesting. The passing of power but something else as well. He could see her as she could, against his wishes, see him. Vulnerable is the last way he wanted someone to see him. This deity would be a problem with that if she was so demanding with her desires and wants. Turning to walk further to his study, he readied himself to be guarded around her from now on.

Hours passed as she enjoyed the moon light as if fueled her own powers, however the dark started to subside and now it was time for the human to stir. Sighing, she snapped her fingers and appeared inside her room with a shocked Maori who had just awoken from the small mattress on the floor. Pressing her fingers to her lips, the deity winked as she let the human fall into the bed. Her hair turned from the light blonde to her dark tresses and her blue eyes turned brown and dazed as she closed them.

"Oh, my," Maori said as she walked over to Satomi. "What have we done, now?" Observing her as she slept, she could hear Rin in the other room. Thinking it wise to let Satomi sleep, she left the room closed off and went with Rin to retrieve a small breakfast for their day. Thinking on the transformation, she was curious what was going on with Satomi all night. However, she could smell the demon lord's scent on her. Not a sexual scent, just his general scent in her presence. The thought was interesting enough without the idea of the two actually being a couple. But then… they would be so… well, interesting.

Putting the thought from her mind, she entertained Rin as she sensed Satomi was still in bed with half the day gone. Sesshomaru was in his study, probably going over war plans, and Rin was being curious about the grounds since the company was gone. The gardens, the baths, the kitchens, anything she could get her hands on without leaving the protected grounds was explored. The estate had many levels and she wanted to see them all. Most were extra rooms for guests and training and tea ceremonies when necessary. However, Maori could tell most were not used due to how long it had been since Sesshomaru entertained here. Or rather, he never did entertain at all.

Making their way for the formal dining hall, the smell of delicious food wafted in the air. It was only the two of them, but they made due. Rin seemed unbothered by Sesshomaru's lack of appearance. Perhaps he left her from time to time with that weird Jaken fellow. Speaking of, she hadn't seen him since a couple days ago and he was hard to miss… sight and vocally. Perhaps out on a mission of sorts. That staff of his could do some damage from the looks of it.

Going to the bath's after dinner, it was then that Maori noticed Rin didn't really talk as much. She seemed content, however, she would hum to herself or entertain herself for the most part. The baths were amazing as always, and she was so pleased to be Rin's escort this day and that the young girl had asked her to join as well. A couple of pods away, she was listening to the girl's humming again.

"Rin, how did you meet lord Sesshomaru?" she asked curiously.

"He brought me back to life and he never told me to leave, so I didn't. I stayed with humans for a time, but it was also with his younger brother," she said as if it was a normal day. Being brought back to life was a very abnormal thing.

"Back to life?"

"I was killed by wolf demons and then again when he was completing a trial. He could only revive me once, but his mother revived me the second time. It's strange though, I don't feel like I should be dead yet and yet it happened twice."

As if that was the weirdest thing about the situation that she died twice…and demons revived her. The mother of Sesshomaru was not one to do such things lightly. Toga was the only one who could make her do such a thing, or even Sesshomaru. She was a kind woman, but not to be crossed. Hell hath no fury, as they say. With the war impending, it was no doubt Sesshomaru would ask her guidance as his father was no longer alive to ask himself. Maori could faintly remember the uproar when Toga went to marry a human woman. Sesshomaru lashed out claiming he was stronger than his father, his father was weak for leaving his mother. However, she simply told him that he was the Lord of the West. Nothing harsh, nothing malicious, just meaning that he had the power to do what he wished and so he did. Her life was still in good standing and that was all she needed with her son.

The memory sparked other odd things of the demon lord, but more so just spoiled brat moments than anything else. Servants being told what to do and it wasn't good enough… really annoying back then actually. However, everyone just did because they felt he was just lashing out. It was soon after that he left to find his own path and then Toga's passing which drove him even further into isolation. Sad, really, she thought as she came back from the memory with Rin wanting to leave.

Satomi had risen since then although she knew not when, and she could sense her presence nearby. Opening the doors from the bath house, they saw her in a dark green yukata this time looking at the water with her knees drawn up to her chin as she sat next to a stream. Smiling at them she waved as Rin and Maori. Rin ran to give her a hug and they smiled intently. The likeness was uncanny really, Hana had told her about their relationship, but seeing them laughing and talking really made it obvious. Warming really. They chatted about how Satomi overslept, not knowing about the woman being out all night, and how Rin explored everywhere in this place today. Any little thing Rin could find to talk about she did. In contrast to her quiet personality all day.

And the days passed like this, Sesshomaru coming and going while the girls found ways to entertain themselves for hours. Finding instruments, Satomi taught Rin how to play a Hocchiku (vertical Japanese flute) and Koto. It was horrendous to Maori's ears, but the humans had their fun. At one-point Sesshomaru had even walked by to see what all the racket was about. He was less than amused but didn't alert the humans to his presence and went back to his study.

For dinner he would join them for sake, disappear and then reappear the next day occasionally. It had been quiet, and it made him uneasy. For a demon charge that was so brash, the fact they were quiet now was not what he had in mind. However, he hadn't seen the deity since that night and wanted to keep it that way. If she kept her bargain, his pride could take the small hit it had. Lesson learned now.

---

"Kinoko, you disappoint me," a male demon with defined muscles with his black sleeveless happi and dark red hakamas said maliciously as her body was tied to a large pole. He was lashing out at her with his fire demon powers. The burns healed fast enough as she screamed out in pain. "I thought I told you to kill the Western Lord, not toy with the second rate. Now he knows and now we no longer have the element of surprise, and now I am resisting the urge to kill you. Two weeks has passed, and we have nothing to show. My brother almost took these lands and you are getting in my way of reclaiming victory, you stupid woman."

"Jirou, I… AHHHH," she screamed as he lashed out over and over until she was near death. Releasing her of her bonds he left her on the floor of their castle to the north. They were in the dungeons now, but he walked as a few servants bowed to him as he passed. Not many as he killed most just out of enjoyment. The fire demons would rise again, come hell and high water, he enjoyed the idea of hell rising like it once had many centuries ago. The damn dog demon… he would die in his father's stead. The half breed hardly interested him, at least until the older brother died. When he was done they would all be dead. Every one of them.

A wicked smile graced his lips as he reached a walkway outside. His view was high on Mount Asahi, the volcano that humans' thought was quiet he slowly reawakened. Soon it would blow and all he wished for would come true. This castle was built on the arrogance of humans to rule a volcano. Only he could do that, but they made it nice in the meantime. His stance on taking over Japan looked more and more possible each passing day.

One of his other female and a male subordinate, both water demons of the South bowed to him. Brother and sister, tan and black haired, the sister with a body he regularly took advantage of, and her brother who was just as muscular as him but less smart as far as Jirou was concerned, they were a pair that was hard to beat. Even for him years ago, he had a lot of fun in that battle which was why they weren't killed. "We shall go kill Sesshomaru," the brother, Hayate, said with a bow. "Hibiki and I will not fail you as Kinoko did."

"You best not or I may just kill you," was all he said as they bowed again and disappeared from his sight. Folding his arms across his chest, he took in a deep breath. If this did not work, he would take the pleasure himself to kill the damn dog. Yes, this would be a good war to stretch out his abilities.

Chapter 7

"Satomi, I don't think this looks right," Rin said with a wrinkled nose as her origami really didn't look like a crane. Wrinkled and short neck, it was more like a sad duck and it made Satomi stifle a laugh. Origami had been a past time for the last couple of days. Days running together as Sesshomaru seemed to grow more nervous and less around Rin and even her. Since that day the lords came… and she wondered if they said something or if she went too far with her bursting in. Seemed like a good idea at the time for whatever reason.

"Well, lets try again and it will look better," she said finishing hers that looked absolutely perfect. "Maybe a frog?" Rin nodded exuberantly with a grin as they found some green paper. "Okay, now let's start this one nice and easy, and no wrinkling that paper this time." Rin laughed as they continued their play. Human games were new to Rin, she had watched some play but was never invited. Satomi was teaching her new human oddities all the time.

Deciding it was probably best to not tell Rin about their relation for now, Satomi was happy like this. This was basically doing what she would normally do for a little sister, just with only herself knowing that. Rin was so deprived of normal human interaction that Satomi could tell things confused her. Talking about the world and how different people were, who different people were, and what she did traveling around. Her free-spirited life was not normal, but then neither was Rin's of being carted around by a demon lord.

Half way through the frog origami, there was a commotion in the hall from a voice she had all but forgot about. Jaken was asking every servant it sounded where his master was before he burst into their room doors. He looked out of breath and slightly worse for wear. His sleeves covered in burns, he was leaning heavily on his staff for support. He had fought, but who and where? Satomi's hair stood on end.

"Mi Lord is he not with you?" he asked breathlessly, looking around. Satomi could imagine he already looked in the study.

"No, he has been in his study for days now. You are not well, please rest," Satomi said as Rin stood up running over to Jaken.

"No, you silly girl, I have to find Lord Sesshomaru! There is an attack coming and they are ruthless. I escaped with barely my life. I will not have him taken by surprise."

However, with the clanking that sounded from the open window, it sounded like they already did. Suddenly, a woman appeared in the same window and Satomi stood before Rin and Jaken defensively. "Who are you?" she asked narrowing her gaze as she looked around the room for a weapon. They hadn't started her training, but she could at least take from what she knew years ago. The woman was tanned and had black hair that reached the center of her back tied in a ribbon. Her clothes were fare from modest as far as normal standards and hugged her curves with black leggings that reached her knees and dark blue top that was longer but was still tight with slits up to her hips. She smiled innocently, but there was malintent behind her eyes.

"You're the wench who hurt my comrade," her features became less amused and serious as she stepped forward, moving with a certain prowl about her. Satomi moved Rin behind her further, moving an arm to barricade against any advancement. "My name is Hibiki, but I suppose it doesn't really matter," she said as she moved the pike that was her weapon into both of her hands. "You'll be dead soon for what you did." Moving suddenly, Satomi narrowly dodged diving down with Rin and running out of the room as the pike exploded with lightning all around the area of impact. A note to self to avoid that was made as she grabbed Rin's hand and pulled Jaken off the ground much to his dismay.

"Unhand me, girl! I will not be handled this way," Jaken exclaimed as he hit at her arm, she ignored it as she continued to dodge the hits head on. Satomi was fast on her own, but she was left without a weapon and two individuals on her person to protect. As much as Jaken didn't like her, this Hibiki looked like she was going to kill more than just Satomi. Making their way down to the main floor, there was scattered burn holes and fires slowly spreading as everyone ran outside. Where was Sesshomaru? They were running out of space and time to run.

"Stop you're moving, you annoying human," Hibiki yelled, obviously getting frustrated. Behind her, Satomi could feel the energy building up behind her before a blast exploded, sending her flying with Rin and Jaken. Jaken was wrenched from her hands as she pulled Rin close to her. They both collided into some high bushes on the outskirts of the estate. Feeling her body ache and her ears rang, she had no choice but to keep moving although she could feel blood slowly dripping down her body from her head, arms and legs. Rin was unconscious, so she carried her quietly as Hibiki sent out more explosions in their direction. Soon she would have no where to hide, but she couldn't fight not knowing if Rin would be hurt from these loose cannon explosions of lightning. Where was Sesshomaru?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Mother, you called?" Sesshomaru said rather annoyed with the interruption of his plans. He was making some headway in all the time he spent avoiding organizing any scrolls with information from the North. Also… the deity who had helped his father all that time ago. Trying to understand just why it was necessary and how to go about defeating the enemy the most efficient way. Surely, his father could have found a way to not involve the deity, but there was nothing. No proof he knew a deity or worked with one to quell the North. Just that there was a long battle that wasted most of the North and somehow the demon was purified, which would be strange unless there were priests or a deity. Other than that, no mention was brought up.

"I heard a curious rumor, and I wanted to hear it from you," she said tilting her head to the side as she stood from her elongated chair. She was always a very blatant woman and yet very honest with her feelings. Sesshomaru inherited her blatant nature, and yet he felt he could not convey his emotions the same. His father was far more charming, he knew that much and yet it seemed like a wasted effort to try to attain that mindset. He lived for power, or so he thought until three years ago when he almost lost Rin. There was more than just power now, he had a purpose and he wanted to hold onto that purpose. "Is a deity living in your care?"

She almost sounded shocked, more surprised as Sesshomaru did not respond. "It's true isn't it? How careless. You are the Demon Lord of the West and you harbor the one being that could destroy you without a second thought?!" She almost sounded mad at him, an emotion he had not heard from her before. There was a moment of silence before she composed herself and sat back down shaking her head. "Your father thought he was invincible too. He was stronger than any demon I have ever met, you as well, my son. Toga was charming and powerful, and you are is only rightful heir. The half demon protects his human companions, and the reality is that he could not control the West even if he wished. If you were to die, although it breaks my heart to think of it, this land would go into turmoil. Wars and bloodshed would ensue, and that young girl you wanted so badly to protect would suffer."

She sighed as Sesshomaru knew what she said was true. Every word of it he already played in his mind. If he died, many would fall. Perhaps that was why his father could afford to risk his life to save that human woman, he had an heir. His mother tended to not fault either of them, just simply a strange fascination that led to a great leader's end. But he could not let go of his hate for so long. Power was all he wanted because that was the one thing that would keep him from being like his father who died for something he saw as so pointless. But now there was that deity who was now plaguing his mind. Yes, she is Rin's older sister, yet there was something else. Kissing her that night was strange, he could see into her past and the pain. Even stranger was, he didn't hate the sensation. That part made him wonder if maybe after all his talk of power and the journey to attain it if he was like his father after all.

"I am aware. If there's nothing else, there's other matters I must attend to," he said turning around before he could feel her aura change. He didn't have to turn around to know she was smiling. The woman acted coy, but he knew her better than that.

"I can smell her even here. Have you been intimate with her? You don't seem the type to be romantic, so did you by chance grant her powers?" Her voice raised in pitch in curiosity and he would blush if he didn't have the self restraint. The woman really did know how to get under his skin. "I suppose that would be a 'yes'. Then I suppose whatever comes next you can only blame on yourself." Dismissive as usual… he was starting to get a headache. "A tale of warning, my son. Deities are not gods, yet they have powers that make priestesses seem rather dim. Since you have involved yourself, I will tell you this. As an ally, they could prove to be most valuable. As an enemy, I fear you would not have the strength needed to kill one. They are not always pure of heart, they can be rather ruthless if they feel wronged. That makes them unpredictable, even worse than a demon."

"Was it true father was involved with a deity during a war with the North?" He turned back around as his mother thought for a moment and then pointed a finger towards the sky as a memory hit her.

"There was a tale that one allied herself with his cause because a strong demon killed the one she loved. To be with this man, she offered her life in return to give your father all the power he needed to kill the demon. He never spoke of it, but he did say that he learned his compassion from a goddess's tale many years before we had met. Sounds like him, but it was never really documented since it was before he gained any fame."

"I see," he said before he sensed something was wrong. "I must go." Without giving explanation, he jumped from her palace in the sky and the cloud appeared beneath him. Flying with all haste, he came across his estate quickly and saw the flames. He could smell Rin's blood, and his eyes turned a deep red. If the deity had any sense of her life, she would be hard at work to prevent this. A sword flew in front of him, causing him to stop completely. A male demon with a sword that would be solid then turn to water returning to his hand dared to stop him. Turning to him with a snarl, the demon whistled in amusement.

"Touchy touchy," Hayate said with a smrik. "My sister is handling the women and I figured us men could have a chat up here. That woman of yours is fast, but its only a matter of time. Her blood is becoming more prominent, wouldn't you say?" Sesshomaru could smell Satomi's blood, although it had a sweeter smell to it than the usual metallic aroma. Looking down, he could see the woman demon throwing attacks as she killed his guards one by one. Satomi was doing her job, although it seemed the deity had yet to come out completely. The women in his life were just not in his favor today it seemed.

"I suggest you run. I'm not in the mood for mercy today," he said moving one hand into a claw position as his fingers started glowing.

"Not my style," Hayate said with a smirk as he readied his sword and went full board for Sesshomaru. He was fast, but Sesshomaru was faster. The whip lashed out over and over and Hayate was just barely able to dodge. The sword materialized when a strike would almost hit him. Over and over until Sesshomaru had enough and pulled out Bakusaiga and shot a powerful yoki wave towards him. Dodging that as well, Sesshomaru was starting to wonder if this demon was just buying time. "Wow, you really are something! Demon Lord of the West really suits you, but our master wants something done and it's better to just get it done than go back with nothing."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Girl, you are starting to piss me off," Hibiki called out as she walked towards the open court yard trying to sense either girl's aura. However, there was nothing. Strange, but she knew they couldn't be dead, their screams being burned alive would have sounded by now. They didn't look all that tough, but this was proving difficult to accomplish. Kinoko's struggles would not be in vain, this wench would pay dearly.

Satomi hid and formed a shield around herself and Rin. There was a voice that kept trying to come through her mind, but she could only think of protecting herself and Rin. She felt her head splitting with a headache trying to avoid it. There was no time to think of how or why, just that she had to do this. Blast after blast was wearing on her and her wounds were not shallow. Near the top of her hairline there was a gash, her arm had a sharp piece of wood that punctured, and her leg had numerous cuts lining the outside of it from taking the brunt of the first blast as she went down. Her strength was leaving her, and she could feel the do or die moment fast approaching. Looking down to Rin, she could only feel disappointed in herself.

Satomi… Satomi! I can help you…

The voice came through, and she could only recognize it as her own. A feeling that called for her to close her eyes came and all she could do was oblige. Seeing a glowing figure with gold hair and blue eyes before her, she looked in wonder. This woman had been in her dreams before, just recently. A statue-like figure that would simply look towards the moon and then look back when Satomi would wake up. This time, the woman was reaching out towards Satomi and talking with her.

I can help you. Please, let me give you my strength so that you can protect them. We don't have much time and your body will soon give out.

A crystal the shape of a crescent moon formed and made its way to Satomi. Reaching out for it, it glowed with her touch. This is my power for you, we will talk again soon.

Waking up, she felt the crystal in her hands now. With a tender white light, it absorbed into her chest and she could feel her body warming up. Her wounds were healing, and she became more aware of what was going on. Time seemed to slow down as she stood up and formed a barrier over Rin alone. There wasn't a doubt it wouldn't hold up, and that made her wonder just what she could do now.

Hibiki saw her and aimed her pike the blast came at Satomi. "There you are!" she could hear before simply putting her hand out and extending it to the side. The blast followed, looking up at it her eyes widened as she saw Sesshomaru and a male demon fighting above her. Both stopped and looked to her. Hayate was in shock and Sesshomaru seemed to be waiting, curious even. Looking back to Hibiki who looked shaken up from the diversion of the blast, Satomi walked towards the clearing.

"What the hell are you?" Hibiki called out as she saw the power difference. It was not even a challenge. If she were to engage, she would die. Defy Jirou and she would die. The bodies lined the grounds from the guards that tried to fight back. Satomi looked at them all, so many innocents if she was only strong enough to protect them earlier… instead she ran like a feeble animal. The thought made her tear up.

"Crying now? Just what game are you playing at," she said before Satomi suddenly appeared before her. Satomi felt an anger she never felt before surge through her. Reaching out, she touched Hibiki's collar bone gently before looking up with tears streaming down her face.

"They didn't have to die."

An immense pain shot through Hibiki as she screamed in agony. Her skin burned so intensely, she was out of breath and on the ground. However, when she glanced down at her skin there wasn't even a wound for all that pain. This wasn't a human, this was something far worse, something from hell.

Sesshomaru went to Rin and the barrier around her disappeared. Only one minor cut on her arm, but she was unharmed otherwise. Hayate went to his sister and held her in his arms as she was in obvious pain. "What did you do to her?" he asked helplessly as she continued to whimper in his arms.

"Their deaths didn't have to happen. If she wanted to kill me she should have when she had the chance. Now, I don't care if it's fast or slow. I plan on making sure you know their pain and my own," Satomi said looking at him with a determination he had never seen in any demon before. "If you wish to fight me, I will happily show you just what you're dealing with." Extending her hand out, a weapon in a white and pink opaque light formed. A massive battle axe extending past her own height and a large blade that was as large as her torso. He marveled before moving in front of his sister. "Hibiki, go report. I will handle this woman."

"But brother… I…"

"Now!" Disappearing, Hayate knew he would either die here or be punished with Jirou for failing to kill Sesshomaru. This woman would pose an even bigger threat being Sesshomaru's ally. Their plans would have to be changed. "Well, then let's see what you're made of."

"Let's." Satomi swung her battle axe with ease, defying what would be thought of as a heavy weapon. Hayate could feel the force of it even as he bounded out of the way. This was not human, but he couldn't place just what kind of demon she was. It felt pure…and yet the emotion from her eyes were not in the least. She wanted blood.

The most he could do was play defensively, much like with Sesshomaru, but her moves were much more out of instinct than a fighting code like Sesshomaru seemed to have. Even during their fight above, he could tell Sesshomaru favored certain moves with the whip than others although he wasn't completely predictable. This woman was far more dangerous as far as he was concerned.

Sesshomaru watched with his mother's words in mind. Satomi was dangerous, if she used such attacks with him, he wondered how long he would hold out. She was a deity, but their powers were unknown for the most part. She could absorb demonic energy, she could now form a weapon although before this she seemed hesitant to even fully fight from her personality and yet now looking at her she seemed so calculating and also wild with her intent.

Her axe swung faster than he could keep up and that was saying much. Suddenly, he could smell blood, Hayate's blood. An arm fell at her feet as she dropped her head to look at it and then to the demon. He was gripping the shoulder in agony before disappearing as she was about to give the finishing blow. Her axe vanished, and her hands fell limp to her sides.

Looking back to Sesshomaru, she walked towards him with such sadness. He was truly confused and nervous. The fear that she would turn on him crossed his mind and yet she seemed so human now. "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything. I don't know what's happening to me," she said helplessly as she looked at her hands. A part of him felt the need to reach out, but he couldn't somehow. Looking to Rin in his arms, she reached out and it took all of Sesshomaru's self-control to not pull her away. Perhaps he did unleash something worse than he bargained for, even he feared what could come of her now. "All I wanted was to keep her safe and then the voice gave me her power… do you know what's going on?"

"It's the deity," he said simply. "She must have given you a part of the powers of a deity to protect yourselves." Living up to the promise, which he found comforting that he wasn't on her bad side. Not that he had a reason to be. For a moment, Satomi looked like she would faint and then suddenly her hair turned gold and eyes blue.

"Poor girl, I think I gave her too much. The wounds would have killed her otherwise, it took you long enough to get here for visiting your mother. Had a nice chat I presume?"

How she knew was beyond him, but he knew now he would have to keep on his guard even more.

"Oh, I'm not here to threaten you. I will need more of your energy, but now is not the time. This power is but a taste of what I can do. Once she absorbs it all, I will disappear and no longer be useful because she is the intended deity. I am simply here to guide the process of her journey until her body can handle all it is capable of, to try and simplify my reason to exist. I wouldn't fear her, she is loyal to your cause and to keep her sister safe."

"You say that like I should be eternally grateful," he said narrowing his eyes to her.

"I'm saying you have one of the most powerful beings in your service. You sought power and now you have it just to fear it." Swiping her hand, the damage to his estate was reversed and the guards rose from the dead. "So long as you remember her cause and do not hinder it, you have nothing to fear but your own insecurities, my dear. Now, I will put this poor girl to bed and I suggest you let this one rest as well." Sweeping her hand over Rin's body, her cuts healed instantly, and Satomi walked to her room passing by the guards and servants.

Sesshomaru held Rin for a moment standing there unsure of what to do for the first time in a long while. She called him out for the power, but he knew she spoke the truth. To use the deity for his own ends sounded like something he would have done without question once but looking to Rin and back towards Satomi who was just leaving his line of sight, he found it hard to put into words why it bothered him now.

Chapter 8

Satomi sat in silence in the hot springs. Everyone was marveling of her powers and yet they feared her for it. The blood on the ground still haunted her, it was hard to look anywhere without having a memory shadow into the present. What happened didn't feel like it was happening, just as if she was watching the entire even unfold. Hibiki was there for punishment and Hayate was also there to kill one of them. However, plans had changed when Satomi's power unleashed. Since then, a full week had passed and the only one who treated her the same was Rin. As if nothing had happened. Sesshomaru played at indifference, but since the day they found out she was a deity he had avoided her. Was she really so awful? Everyone else looked at her much like they did Sesshomaru, in awe and fear. How she longed for the days of her youth with her family, things were so much simpler then.

Her hands glided across the water as the thoughts plagued her. Feeling the heat setting in, she thought it best to leave before she became light headed. Her mind hurt enough without having to worry further. Since no one was there, even the bath keeper had stepped away calmly, she stepped out and slowly dried herself and put on a fresh yukata in a crimson red with white lily silhouettes at the sleeves. The color brought flashes of the fight as she remembered cutting Hayate's arm off. Shaking her head, this was ridiculous, it was them or us… but it still didn't help.

Almost running out of the baths, opening the door she was surprised to see Sesshomaru who was standing there with widened eyes for only a moment. Sliding off to the side, she bowed politely. Her hair was still up and droplets dripped at the small hairs at the top of her neck and the temples of her face. She felt completely unprepared and he looked the same. "I'm sorry if I startled you," she said feeling the silent tension grow. "I'm done if you wish to use it, my lord."

"Are you unwell? Your face is pale," he asked calmly noting how she darted out of the door. Her heart beat was erratic at best, and her face hadn't smiled since that day when the deity unleashed some of her power. He also sensed nausea as he noted the scent even more. "It's not my business if you don't wish to answer."

"I am… scared," she said after a moment of thinking as tears formed. "I don't know how I did what I did or why I knew how to do those things. All I know is that since the meeting with the demon lords I feel so lost. I know the reason you keep me here is to protect Rin and that will never change, but I… I feel helpless." Feeling the hot tears roll down her face, she tried to wipe them away before he could see. "I feel like you don't trust me anymore except to do the one thing I was told to do. I don't know why."

The woman before him, he felt uneasy as she called him out on his distrust. Distrust was a strong word for it, more so that he didn't know what to think and he was always one to calculate. There was no calculation, the deities hardly ever came to be known so there was nothing to go from no matter how hard he investigated the ancient scrolls or stories. Just that they were powerful beyond any knowledge and the small tale with his father.

"Protecting Rin is the priority. There will be another meeting soon, but I will be going to the South for more answers. I feel it best you two come with me. There is a barrier there that we must go through and no demon before has breeched it. Also, the demon lord wishes to see you. He has a seeress that he keeps in his employ there and he's curious," he said as he turned and started out of the gardens the opposite direction of the bath he seemed to just be going to.

It was obviously not up for debate, but she smiled and followed him. Maybe he came to check up on her, although that didn't seem much like him to do such frivolities. He didn't seem to mind her following either as he kept the same pace to his study. He opened the door to invite her in and slid the door shut behind her. There was a map of the four territories on the table as he invited her to sit across from him. "Hibiki and Hayate were once of the Southern territory given their water control. Even the woman with the pike had the inclination and seemed to use her powers as a conduit for the electricity. Hayate's sword is obvious. Another reason for us to go and talk to the demon lord there. He seems to have taken a liking to you, so I trust you can help make this go smoothly."

"Diplomacy isn't your strong point," she pointed out innocently enough and almost laughed as he glared. "No harm meant, just stating the obvious." Even though she was nervous around him before, she didn't seem all the nervous now. Almost as if someone else was toying with him and she was there for the ride. "You want us there not only to be sure Rin is safe, but so that the demon lord is more trusting of the conversation. The seeress though? What's the meaning of that part?"

Sesshomaru looked away for a moment, the woman looking at him wasn't just seeing him, she was reading him. Many people couldn't, and he took pride in that. However, she was peeling him apart. The human side would not have before, she was becoming braver and that made him wonder if this was a good idea after all. He saw himself as a demon lord who could hardly afford someone who could see through him, especially not a woman.

"The seeress has been able to see into many aspects that came to be. Powerful storms and demons that have come into our lands and also able to tell when to harvest and wait when most say it is or not time otherwise. The South prospers, and they will not go into a full war without her input. You are the deciding factor apparently," he said almost begrudgingly as he pointed to the stronghold of the South. "We leave tomorrow. Be sure you are ready. You and Rin."

"I see… seems a little superstitious to me, but I am curious on what they want to see before they join the cause. They would be the last to be seen, however, that wouldn't matter to the North. I saw into them, they were either going to die by me or him. Hibiki told me that I would pay for Kinoko. Did I do something to her before?"

Sesshomaru paused and thought of that day. There was nothing besides the blast that would warrant that kind of attention. He shook his head and when he looked up at Satomi her brown eyes met his amber. There was no outward change, but he could notice it. This woman would be the end of him if he allowed his desires and human tolerable side to continue. "No, but it matters not. Now, you should go to sleep. We are leaving at dawn and it is already late."

It was hardly late by any standards and Satomi raised an eyebrow. When his eyes met hers, while there was nothing to show, he saw her differently. Hardly able to hide her smirk, she stood up and bowed before walking out of the room. So, that was the problem, he was warming up to her. A man, or demon rather, like him full of pride wouldn't know what to do with that. Her heart warmed knowing it wasn't hatred but rather the opposite effect starting to happen. He wasn't quite so heartless as much as he tried to lead on.

Finding the sun just barely setting, she did end up going up to her room. She could hear Rin bothering Jaken in the courtyard as she ran from him as he tried to gather her for her own bedtime. He was an interesting little demon, following his master like a pet although Sesshomaru was technically a dog demon. Dogs were considered companions and yet Sesshomaru was more like a wolf. Independent, strong willed, and powerful. His brother Inu-Yasha seemed more dog like when it came to loyalty, human interaction, and his love for humans. Sitting in her window thinking about such things she sang quietly. Loud enough for those outside to hear, but to herself it calmed her under the moonlight.

"Why can't I tell you all of these feelings?
It's so much easier when I'm dreaming
I think my brain's about to short circuit
I really wish I could find the words

And now I'm crying under the moonlight
I want to call to you, but it's midnight
What should I do with all of these feelings
Like a Kaleidoscopic heart

The light that shines down from the moon will guide the way
And once again, it leads me to you"

Rin looked to the door of the courtyard and saw Lord Sesshomaru standing there. Just as she was going to run to him, she could hear her sister singing above them. Her voice hadn't been heard in a week and Rin beamed from ear to ear as she continued to go to Sesshomaru. However, Sesshomaru wasn't looking at her. His face was tilted up in the direction, seemingly in a daze. "My lord?" Rin asked calling his attention back down. It took a moment, but he looked down as if he remembered where he was.

"You should go to sleep. We leave in the morning. Jaken, I leave the estate to you while I am gone," he said as Rin leaped for joy. Excited for another journey, and this time with Sesshomaru without Jaken. Jaken objected before he was met with a glare and walked away further into the courtyard. That shut him up and Rin stuck her tongue out at him. Going up to her room, Satomi was still singing. Something was familiar about her voice, although she couldn't place it. Like a dream of the past. Finishing her song, Satomi smiled back to Rin.

"Well, good evening, Rin. It looked like you were having fun," she said turning her full body away from the window and to the girl. Her mood at brightened significantly, and it was hard not to celebrate.

"Of course, it's always fun to trouble Jaken," she said as they both laughed. Neither could doubt that. Jaken did that to himself with his doubt of humans and his personality being less than friendly. Putting him in his place was always amusing.

"Did Sesshomaru tell you we leave tomorrow?" Tilting her head, she could feel his gaze as she sang. That much she was certain, as if lost she could feel his mind wander to her, it was strange, yet she was sure.

"Yes, he did. I'm excited to go on another adventure. Traveling was may more fun that being stuck in a castle," Rin laughed as she leaped on the bed hardly able to contain the joy that radiated from her. "Jaken doesn't get to come this time. Wait? Does that mean you're going too?" Getting on all fours looking at Satomi, the hope in her voice was hard to miss.

"As a matter of fact, I do get to go," she said with a smile as she went to go sit on the bed and they talked about Rin's adventures before and what was the most fun and least fun. Rin was so excited to have Satomi with this time. It was strange, but it felt like a family trip to her. When Sesshomaru looked up to Satomi it was like time stood still, she could only hope someone would look to her like that one day.

Sesshomaru could hear the woman's banter and he couldn't help but curve the corner of his mouth into a smile. Her song was hypnotic, especially with the moon. Perhaps it was a charm to him, and yet a part of him didn't mind. The melody was soothing and suited her. Her eyes made him panic, even if for a moment but her song made him calm. Truly a strange woman.

"Mi Lord, is she going with you?" Jaken asked cautiously. That curve to his mouth could only mean trouble and yet he never witnessed something so normal. Like a man in… no that couldn't be. Lord Sesshomaru would never lower himself to be with a human, or whatever she was.

"Yes, the Southern Demon Lord demanded it," he said looking to the moon. It seemed so much brighter tonight. "I will be back by morning." That was all he said before flying off, he could sense his mother calling to him. The conversation from before was not done apparently. Usually she not call to him unless she was needing to talk about something important.

"My son, I'm so happy you came so fast." Sitting in her chair, she smiled coyly. "I must say you will probably enjoy this conversation less than last time. However, it must be said." The annoyance on his face was apparent as she stood up and walked to him. "The elders are saying you should find yourself a wife and have an heir. The war could be dangerous, and they were insistent when earned the title and even more insistent now that war is upon us."

"You called to tell me that. I have no time for this right now." He was about to turn around before she stepped forward. This time she wouldn't be dismissed. Her moods like that made him worry when usually he did not.

"If you die in the fight and have no heir we are in the same problem as before. And now I heard that the woman with you has unleashed some of her deity power. Or rather I felt the power up here. If she is with you, then we have time. If she turns against you, I fear for the worst."

"We have a common objective. So long as that stays in effect, there is nothing to worry about," he said calmly as she calmed down in return.

"The girl I presume? What is it about that girl?" Now she was just curious. Her son had never expressed a liking to humans and now he had a deity and the girl, and there was that boy before too. The boy with the jewel shard, if she remembered correctly. He did not answer her, for there was no reason to. Sighing, she sat back down in her chair. "I suppose that is all. I have relayed the message. You do as you will, but as the Lord of the West you have an obligation to the peace of this world. Or make it your wasteland, it's up to you. However, make the wrong choice and many more than the ones you care about will suffer. Your father understood that. You should too."

He left on that note with an annoyance he couldn't quite shake. He had no intention of taking a wife or having an heir. Such things seemed less than important. However, he could see the benefit and how it would make this easier. But he didn't want a wife, one seemed like such a bother. Even in desires there was no guarantee he would want whatever demoness was suitable and he would not take a human even if they were the last beings on earth. The thought… it sickened him.

As he neared the estate, he could hear her. The sound reached a place inside him he long thought buried cold beneath any hope of being recovered. Her white yukata shown in the moonlight as her brown hair glistened with hints of gold. She watched him in the courtyard as she continued to sing and he landed simply to stare seemingly forgetting time.

"When all my feelings reach you,

They'll no longer be mute

For on that day, they'll live in spoken words

From in a dream, when you awake

Into the world you no longer know

If you could only spread your wings and fly away

You said if you could fly,

You would fly far - far to the sky

And you would set your aim

On the clouds – All around

That endless sky"

Her cheeks flushed as she saw him approaching her. Stopping the song, she turned to fully face him as he stopped close enough for her to smell the night air. The alluring smell of something she did not recognize. His hand almost rose from where it lay at his side, but he kept it still. Not knowing exactly what he wanted to do when he saw her, he found himself standing there watching her. Hands having a mind of their own was not what he wanted to do to complicate the situation. He made the mistake of looking into her eyes, this time they were that bright blue again and hair of gold.

"You like her?"

"That is hardly the case, she should have been in bed long ago," he said trying to deny the deity the amusement she sought.

"I doubt that. Your body says otherwise, your hand and your eyes. As I said, I do need your energy once more. Now perhaps is the right time to ask," she said stepping forward nearly closing the gap. She reached forward and stood on her tip toes. Her hand touched his cheek as she motioned him down to her. He didn't refuse as their lips touched.

As her eyes shut, he grabbed her hand gently from his face and pulled her towards him slightly. The kiss deepened, and all he could feel was her aura. Pure and painful and yet hopeful and glimmering. She was a contradiction to him and all he could do was obey her. Her other hand touched his chest as she hummed with desire into his mouth. Using his armor to balance the light headed feeling she had, she could feel something from him in his heart. As if cracks in the ice were breaking off one by one. He was a complicated demon, one by honor and death. Rin made the first purpose possible with her protection. To protect someone was what his father wanted from him, to surpass him and learn of compassion to do so.

Feeling her power back to where it should be, she parted their lips only to find his closing the gap once more. Moving further away, he looked at her strangely as she did so. Her face was flushed, and his looked confused. "Too much power could overwhelm her. You, Sesshomaru, have much power. There is much on your mind and I fear now is not the time to allow this from you."

"What have you done to me?" he asked letting her hand go and stepping away further from her.

"The feelings you have of this girl are your own. I need powers to keep fulfilling the promise until she can do so alone, your demonic energy fuels the power until she can be self-sustaining. Anything else you feel is your own. Remember that as you sort through your own matters. You told me to protect that which you hold dear. I intend to do that and so does she. She… finds herself attracted, so the reactions of the body are normal. I hope this is the last time I be involved."

As she walked away, he stood there wondering what he just felt from her and from himself. Foreign feelings fought their way in his body and mind. Just a moment ago, he was sickened by the thought of marrying a human woman and yet he just thought, if even for a moment, of having the woman in his bed. His control was slipping, and she was the cause. However, if she were to think he was leading her on and be upset that he could not do what she needed… he could see the woman's anger being a danger to him and his mother's warning ran clearly.

The woman was attracted to him? Hearing her right, he was sure that was what she said. How? He had been cold and avoiding her and yet her mood today turned much like when she first arrived. Knowing he would have to be careful, he went to go to the baths. Needing to clear his head, he knew that she would not intentionally harm is cause. However, he may be the undoing of his own if he couldn't think straight.

"Satomi?" Rin called out sleepily as she rolled over in Satomi's bed. They had fallen asleep and Maori had left hours ago. "Where did you go?"

"I just needed fresh air and I didn't mean to wake you." Crawling back into her bed, she sighed contentedly. All she could remember was seeing a cloud in the sky before seeing Sesshomaru come home. However, her body was warm and tingled. Almost as if she had been kissed as the feeling radiated from her mouth. Strange…

"Why do you feel so familiar?" Rin asked with her eyes shut, half asleep. "I feel like I've heard you sing a million times and felt your presence all my life. I wonder why? Like a sister or something from long ago…" Satomi's heart jumped before she realized the girl was already back asleep. So, she did feel that too. Even though she didn't outright tell her, she felt like what she had been doing with Rin was reviving memories slowly but surely. Maybe one day she would know too.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

"Jirou, I can explain," Hayate said in pain as his arm still bled from the attack even in the bandage. "The woman with Sesshomaru is no mortal. She has power we can only imagine. She seems more powerful than him. We had to fall back and warn you. Sesshomaru is a worthy opponent, but she will destroy your plans if not kept in check." Feeling the power of her axe, it kept the wound from healing as it also had the ability to purify. His body was doing all it could to not let it advance into the rest of him. Hibiki was in the corner of the room and bowed on the floor. Kinoko wore an eye patch behind Jirou, the eye was a punishment for not listening to him. Hibiki and Hayate were now on troubled ground as well.

"I send you to deal with a problem and excuses are all I get. You're lucky you had something for me, Hayate and Hibiki. The woman we are dealing with, is she his lover?"

"It's hard to say, but it doesn't seem like they are intimate, just something about their relationship doesn't lend much insight."

"Let us plant the seeds of doubt. If we can bring her to our cause, then we can secure our victory," Jirou said as he sat on a low chair with gold surrounding him. The last plumage of a city was successful, his conquest was almost to the East and West border. The North would soon be his and now the rest of Japan would follow suit. Just a few problems to deal with first.

"They protect the girl," Hibiki said rising to sit up. "The girl is the key for them both, but the woman can break the barrier from Kinoko while Sesshomaru cannot. If we capture the woman and then the girl is the leverage for Sesshomaru's surrender."

"Perhaps. Bring the woman to me. I wish to see her for myself, the woman with the Aristocratic Assassin that is now a lord of the demon world. I'd love to know just what got his tail swinging for her." He stood up and Hayate did as well.

"I will go alone this time. I can handle her myself, it seemed that the injury to my arm startled her."

"So be it. Fail me and it will be your last." Jirou said as Hayate disappeared with a small twist of water in the air.

Chapter 9

"Maori, are you sure you have to go?" Satomi asked as Maori tidied up around the room. She had mentioned on how Hana needed her presence since a rather demanding event took their concentration. Hana had not revealed what though.

"Hana wants me back. It's hard to deny the woman what she asked since she is my master. I promise to visit you again, it will not be the last," Maori said as she bowed and looked behind Satomi where Sesshomaru stood and bowed deeper. "My lord, Hana requests my presence back by her side."

He nodded. "She had informed me. We leave soon as well." With that he turned and left. Obviously, he was all business as usual and Satomi sighed. She blushed at the sight of him and she knew not why. Last night she felt warm, more warm than usual, and it was weird how the warm feeling came back seeing him again.

"Chilling as ever," Maori said with a smirk as Satomi giggled with her. "It was an honor to make your acquaintance and I know you are growing stronger, especially since the last battle. You hardly need someone to keep an eye over you, even from a demon stand point. I wish you luck and tell Rin good bye for me."

"Thank you for everything," Satomi said as Maori waved her hand and with a swift gust of wind, she disappeared. It was strange, but she knew they would see each other. The friend was a nice commodity to have when Sesshomaru was missing or off on a study rampage. However, the room suddenly felt very empty and the feeling that she wanted to leave began to grow. This place had been a dream, but they needed to find out just what they had going for them in the South if they were going to fight, let alone win this battle. Then the thought hit her, just how big was the western army… and the eastern? The East seemed less organized yet and the West had such a strong attachment to the dog demons that had been in the rule of this region for centuries.

Finding her way downstairs, she thought about the war strategy and it riddled her brain. Perhaps a more brutal attack for surprise, organized military for order after and then the battle by sea to seal the deal? That would make sense, but either the sea or the militia-based attack could be switched more easily. However, if she knew Sesshomaru, he would be the first to attack. He had too much honor to see others go before him.

Her feet continued to move towards the courtyard where they waited for her. When the servants opened the door for her, she was hit with a familiar scent, his scent. Or perhaps it was just his aura, but it was as if her mind went blank for a moment and looking up his eyes widened slightly only to see him turn to Rin. Jaken was beside him distressed about how he was being left behind, however, it looked like Sesshomaru was not having any of it. Given the attack here recently, he needed someone here he could trust.

"Lord Sesshomaru, Satomi is here now, can we go?" Rin was practically giddy with all the excitement to go on another adventure. Obviously, the girl had missed this. Looking between Sesshomaru and Satomi, she could feel some sort of connection, although brief. The thought had crossed her mind if Satomi and Sesshomaru could be together and the thought made her so happy. They were both so beautiful and while Sesshomaru seemed cold he was so kind to her, and while Satomi was so kind she was also very strong because Sesshomaru wouldn't want a weak woman. That settled it, this trip she would make it her mission to help this along. Since both were stubborn maybe they would listen to her… maybe.

"Yes, we should go. Ah Un, you are with us," he said as the two headed beast came and Rin climbed up. Satomi snapped back and climbed on behind Rin holding onto the reigns. A cloud formed below Sesshomaru as they all took off to the sky. As the world became smaller behind them, Satomi couldn't help but still be awed at this new world that had enveloped her. Meeting her little sister again, meeting a demon lord and aiding his cause, meeting Kagome, Inu-Yasha and everyone. Although it had been a couple of months, she was grateful to be where she was now. A deity though, that was a fact she had a hard time believing. A low born girl who had nothing to give the world, turning into a warrior bent on revenge, to the deity she was slowly becoming. The power was almost all there, she could feel it swelling within her. Just as if there was a thin wall inbetween with no force to break it.

Sesshomaru went to the side of the two ladies in his company and glanced to them. "We should arrive tomorrow. We will stop when the sun starts to set," he said before moving away once more. His silver hair moved so elegantly behind him. He was truly a beautiful person. Satomi guessed it proved effective when people thought he was some rich young man with no skill with that sword. Even if he didn't realize it himself. Staring at him, she caught herself and moved her glance to the clear blue sky in front of her.

"Yes, my lord," Rin said with enthusiasm before turning towards Satomi. She talked about the times and adventures from before when they always traveled and then also at Kaede's village. Satomi was happy that Rin's life was so full of adventure and life. Most never experience what they're given because of fear. She was able to live without fear because of Sesshomaru. For that, Satomi would eternally be grateful. He gave her what she would have never been able to, a life worthy of the special person she is.

"You don't talk much about your life, Satomi. Could you tell me tonight during dinner?" Satomi was speechless and a little shocked. Well, she talked of her life, but not about… Rin. I'm sure the girl was curious about before the time Naraku enslaved her in stone.

"Of course," she said without noticing Sesshomaru's quick glance back with the question and answer. It would be interesting how Satomi would play this out, but he also could not afford a distraction. Her loyalty had to remain unwavering if he was to fully trust her. His affection for her would have to remain buried until the silly emotion went away. Surely it was only because of her forwardness and proximity. Nothing more.

Her beauty and nature weren't a problem, she was a deity and that could prove difficult and he didn't wish to have the problem in his life. After this war and Rin's safety was secure then she could be on her way… but would she ever with Rin at his side. Would he have to let Rin go? The thought made him insecure now. Humans were attached naturally, and demons were far from it. His half brother had the human emotions, but he was also half demon… but he wouldn't ask for his help. It was not a severe matter, at least not one as such that he would ask for his help.

As he listened to the two carry on about idle human talk, he tried to think of the best way to do this war without an army. Surely, he could go in and take out the ranks one by one, but then there was always a chance that they'd know what he would want to do and attack at once. While he knew his strength, he didn't know if he was just barely above a lesser if all of them would be over powering. His pride didn't want to believe so, but he had more than himself to think on. As his mother, who as cold blooded as she could be at times, reminded him of that much. If he wasn't there to protect Rin then who would? Well, her sister now. However, he didn't wish to leave her just yet. For a human, she was compelling. Pure yet not blinding. Accepting would be the word, and he had not met much of it. And yet, he could see where she received that trait from.

As they descended the sun started to turn red in the distance, it was a beautiful sunset with the clouds purple and sky full of oranges and reds. A stream was nearby as Rin announced with enthusiasm she would get the fish. Sesshomaru let her wander, keeping an eye on her as he saw Satomi do the same as she gathered wood for the fire. Much as he was doing. Looking to each other from across the way, he could see her cheeks redden. Did she remember last night? He almost hoped she didn't. Almost.

The thudding in her chest was almost overwhelming, he was looking right at her and yet while this happened from time to time she never felt so compelled to… well, she didn't know what. She looked back to the ground and went about her mission. Sticks. They needed sticks. Sticks to heat the food, sticks to skewer the food. Yes, sticks. Her thought process almost made her go dizzy before she put them in a pile he had already started.

"I think we have enough," he said looking at her with his head tilted. She almost jumped away despite them being a fair distance apart. He had never seen her like this and yet he had to wonder if she really didn't remember. Never being in this kind of situation, he didn't know what to say to know the answer for sure. "Are you sick? You look feverish."

"Sick? No. Just probably winded from the flight. I don't do much… beast riding into the full day and then camp. More of a walker myself. I should check on Rin," she said before tripping on her own two feet and finding herself in midair. Or rather, his arm in the way between her and the ground as he stood her up properly.

"Perhaps more slowly," he said with his ever-cool emotion plastered on his face as heat washed over her cheeks even worse as she nodded and went towards the stream. 'Perhaps more slowly…' he thought to himself and shook his head. Occasionally, he wondered what his father would have said, and then he remembered his mother's words. 'You lack his charm…' Who needed charm when they could rule over the land? By the looks of things, his little brother did not receive much in that department either. And yet, he only recently realized that charm was used for more than women. Intentions could be brought out and the politics easier for ruling such a land. A lack of skill that would go wasted he feared, and yet he couldn't help but watch as she actually did try to go more slowly to the river. Perhaps he wasn't without some hope.

How embarrassing! She thought over and over in her head. He was so close and yet a million miles away. A demon like that would never love a girl like her. She was a means to an end, and while it saddened her slightly, she found a source of peace with the idea as well. He would not advance, and he would not flee so long as the mutual goal remained the same. Until the threat was settled she would remain to protect what she held most dear. Seeing Rin in the stream, she had already caught three suitable fish.

"You're doing good. A couple more perhaps, fish whisperer?" They both giggled as Rin nodded looking to concentrate even more as Satomi grabbed the fish already caught by their mouths. However, she was distracted as she looked the to camp where Sesshomaru started the small fire and back to Satomi. Now was as good a chance as any.

"Do you love Lord Sesshomaru? You look at him differently than most," Rin said never really one to mince words. "I guess I just think you two suit each other is all." She could tell Satomi was uncomfortable with the question although she knew not why. They looked at each other passingly when the other thought they weren't looking, to her it would be simple 'yes', but adults were weird. Let alone demons and deities she supposed. How would a holy entity and demon get along? Would one burn the other? An image of Sesshomaru being purified as Kagome had done to many demons made her face go slightly pale. Maybe it wasn't a good idea, but Satomi wouldn't… would she?

"Love would be a strong word. We have a mutual interest," Satomi said as her mind was put back together after blowing apart into a thousand pieces. Not the topic she was hoping to cover. "He needs me to protect you, and… I want to see you safe. I don't know much about my powers but if they keep one person safe then its worth the mystery, I think. As for the way I look at him, he's… well… attractive. But demons are made that way. They lure in prey and then attack, normally. But I can see he's different." Rin was about to object until that point.

"Until now, I would have distrusted demons like him. However, I can tell he isn't evil. He looks out for himself, but he also does for you. A demon who cares for a human isn't evil even if he is one." Rin sat on the bank of the stream and Satomi kneeled behind her putting down the fish, finger brushing her hair as she took out her side pony tail. "You are… family to me, Rin. I want to see that you're kept safe. Sesshomaru can't do that on his own right now. However… I…" She felt herself choking on words as tears welled up. She wanted to say the words. She had failed Rin before so how could she do this now? It would be her life's goal to see this girl protected to live the long life she deserved. Even if it meant giving up her own.

"You're family to me too. It's okay," Rin said she felt a familiar feeling. "Can you sing? I feel like this is familiar somehow and it feels nice."

"Of course," Satomi obliged as her tears dropped silently to the ground, her voice unshaking as she sang a lullaby.

"One day you will realize

The stars you are chasing shine bight 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…"

Rin couldn't help but hum along and realized that she heard this before. Not a mother but someone else. The memory was there but it was much like what it was now, not facing the memory but happily sitting as someone brushed her hair and sang peaceful songs. It felt so… normal. Then it suddenly stopped.

"Rin, run to Sesshomaru," Satomi said calmly yet urgently looking ahead. She sensed one of the water siblings there. They were just beyond her sight and no doubt Sesshomaru would know too. They weren't so far away, yet… as she looked to Sesshomaru she realized they were in a barrier. How blind of her. Touching Rin's forehead as she faced her, she put a protection that would allow her through. "Go, I will take care of them."

Nodding with understanding, Rin ran to Sesshomaru as Satomi looked beyond the stream and walked forward. Rin would be protected, but Sesshomaru would not have an easy time getting in. Perhaps for the better to keep Rin out of harms way… unless… Rin wasn't the target. Her eyes opened wide as she felt a blast of wind and Hayate at her side with a sword that floated to her neck.

"My dear, you are trouble," he said as his hand wrapped around both of her wrists. In a swirl of water around them, suddenly they were elsewhere. She couldn't sense Rin but they were above the ocean with no land in sight. "Now we can talk."

"Talk then."

"My master proposes a bargain. You back down while we fight it out with the demon lords. After all, you must admit it is rather unfair, isn't it? Ironic for a demon to say, but what place do you have in this," he said curiously. She didn't feel hostility besides that sword on her jugular.

"You attacked the human girl. Wouldn't you use a weapon or shield if you saw it as he did?"

"Oh, so you admit you're nothing more than a weapon. That simplifies things. Demons like him don't feel love. An imitation perhaps, a duty of honor, I suppose, but never full love. Demons use and throw away anything they deem worthy or unworthy. My master wants to use you for far more than a body guard. He wants to rule with you, Deity of the Moon."

The words took her off guard. Any side that had her would have a higher chance of winning, but it wasn't a guarantee. For her to rule by a master just didn't sound right to her. "Tell your master I'd rather die on the battle field," she said calmly as she tried to find her deity powers, why weren't they coming out? Did she have so little control? She could see the moon in her mind, so far away in the distance above water with a being turned away from her with her silhouette shining in the moon's glow.

"Then I have no choice but to kill you now… but I have to do it in a way that will make him amused." Suddenly, another quick wave of water and she was in front of Rin and Sesshomaru on the other side of the stream. The barrier was in front of her as Rin tried to go forward, Sesshomaru made her step behind him. Their lips moved, but she couldn't hear them at all. Rin started to cry as her mouth looked to be screaming. Forced to the ground, she tried to struggle but the floating sword dug into her skin and made her hiss in pain.

"They can't hear you and you can't hear them. I am truly sorry as you seem to be unaware of your power. Honestly, it's like killing a baby. So easy and yet so… tempting." He moved his sword away and brought his mouth to the blood on her neck. She was paralyzed… the sword? His hand moved away as she became limp as he held her up for display. Her eyes widened in horror. Looking to Sesshomaru, her world started to go under as his hand tilted her head back further, so he could get to the blood and licked just below the collar of her yukata. "You are delicious," he said as he let her fall to the ground in a helpless heap.

Looking to Sesshomaru with a smug look, he took away the soundless feature of the barrier. She could hear Sesshomaru threatening before her eyes glazed over, as if the very soul had left. "What did you do to her?" he yelled in uncharacteristic anger as he snarled at Hayate. His sword was in hand as Rin cried seeing Satomi on the ground. She looked to be dead.

"My sword has unique abilities. One of them is to paralyze. Her struggle was her own end, although she'd have to die soon anyway. Her blood though, drives me crazy. It's so sad that she hasn't bedded a man. Perhaps you would like to watch before she dies. Knowing she had one swing at it," Hayate taunted as Sesshomaru snarled, his eyes turning red.

"Oh, scary, but what can you do, Dog?" he said kneeling before her, his hand going to her breast as he kept his eyes locked on Sesshomaru. Her body remained unresponsive on the ground as he touched the barrier and was burned for it. Hayate grinned as he put his hand under her yukata and kneeded her breast. "Warm and soft, like a woman should be. Wonder if all of her is like that?" he asked as the dog demon put his sword against the barrier. If this sword couldn't break it, then it was useless to him.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Cold… why is it cold?" Satomi asked as she looked around the darkness in her mind. Turning in all directions, she finally saw the silhouette in front of the moon. She seemed to be standing on water and ripples formed all around as Satomi ran towards the being and reached out. "Please help me?"

"Help yourself," she heard as suddenly she was thrown into a memory at the castle where Naraku attacked. She was young then and a woman was always cruel to her. An older woman with a lovely kimono, she could always remember that voice taunting her. "No one will help you, stupid girl. The ones that matter aren't in your station. Know your place, you wench. Or go roll over and die."

Thrown back into her mind, she was surrounded by darkness again. She hadn't thought about that woman for many years. Beaten… threatened… even publicly embarrassed. Satomi hated that woman. And yet when she saw her body laying in a pool of her own blood, she felt pity. Pity for her ugly soul. And yet there was satisfaction. That satisfaction is what drove her revenge for Naraku, although she didn't want the woman to die… she wanted to do it herself.

No! That isn't me! She tried to call out but there was no voice. Just silence and darkness.

The silhouette disappeared again, and Satomi just wanted to die. Suffering was too much. No more of it. Her family murdered, unable to seek her revenge and find them in time. Her sister was here and yet couldn't be further from her. And the one person she wanted would never want her. Why did she think there could be hope? Every day she said she had hope and yet where was it now when she needed it most? Nowhere. She was so powerless that a stupid demon snuck up on her and was killing her when she was told she was a deity. Useless. Useless as a human, useless as a deity, useless as a protector.

Light.

There was a small glow in front of her as her tears nearly blinded her. Reaching towards it, it was warm.

"I did say we would talk again, Satomi." The silhouette was the golden-haired woman with blue eyes once more. She was beautiful, but her features were familiar, her own?

"You are…"

"You. The power you need to be the true you."

"I can't… I don't deserve the power. I couldn't do what I needed to do and now, I'll only fail again."

"No, you will succeed. The world will become dark without you. Without you, he will remain in the darkness."

"He?"

"The lord you serve is what will tip the scale in either direction. I have tried to guide him, but he distrusts me without your soul and methods behind it. You are the only answer. I wanted to guide you into your powers, but we are losing time and this fight. Jirou grows too strong to let you be babied any longer, and Hayate is about to make you dinner for his amorous appetite. Forgive me."

The heat from the glow felt like a burning as she screamed helplessly watching the figure before her fade away. The power that went into her was painful, every joint and limb was in agony as the light from the world washed into her eyes. The hand had left her breast and she could feel her body able to move again. Sesshomaru's sword was just about to burst through the barrier before she extended her hand to break it. It shattered with a thought and Hayate stepped back looking to them as Satomi noticed her yukata was looser than she remembered. Her eyes burned with rage as they flashed blue then back to brown.

"You'll regret those words," she said as Sesshomaru went in front of her.

"Protect Rin," was all he said before charging after Hayate as they fought in the sky above. The sword of Hayate floated and danced of its own accord as Hayate made a spear come out of thin air in a splash of water.

Satomi went to Rin as she could feel the battle charge above her. Sesshomaru was flawless and yet this unsettling thought went to her mind. The sword could appear and disappear on command… this would be hard fought.

"I thought you died!" Rin said as she dried her tears and hugged Satomi.

"Almost, but they'll have to work harder than that to kill me," she said hugging Rin back. Closing her eyes, she savored the moment before drawing back to look at Rin. "I need to help him. Hayate is strong and his sword can appear at will. You're safe with that barrier I put around you. Can you hide?"

"Come back safe," Rin said as she nodded. Running to the wood just out of sight, she saw as Satomi disappeared only to reappear behind Sesshomaru.

"I told you to protect Rin," he said snarling, as he looked back before Hayate struck again.

"I am, but who's going to watch your back?" she said diverting Hayate's sword. Not willing to argue with that, he could feel her power there. Did she finally receive it? There was no doubt her aura was different. Beyond anything he ever sensed before. Circling around and around, there was no clear cut to banish Hayate to the underworld, and Satomi was busy with the sword the whole time behind him.

"I have an idea," she said to Sesshomaru once they reached a small lull as Hayate went high above them, the sword going with him. "I don't know why, but I think it'll work." They were both breathing heavier although Sesshomaru tried to hide it. Every cut Hayate received, it would just heal back with a quick water rush. There bodies weren't as fast to heal.

"Saving your lover, demon?" Hayate taunted as he put his one hand above him as a blue power orb formed and grew. "I'll put both of you out of your misery."

Sesshomaru pointed his sword at Hayate and Satomi went to his side. Reaching her hand out, he could feel her giving back some of the power he gave her from before through their touch. It burned slightly, but it was such a force all at once. A red orb formed at the end of his sword and grew the more energy she put into it he contributed his own energy as both spheres of power launched at each other with a force neither had ever seen. Satomi closed her eyes and she could feel the energies fighting for dominance. As she laced her fingers through Sesshomaru's to touch the sword, she could feel the battle and put her own powers into it. A white light flashed through and broke through both orbs and stabbed Hayate in the heart.

"You are… his, deity. Jirou will come for you," he said into her mind before his body slowly dissipated. Returning to the ground, Sesshomaru looked for Rin as she bounded out. Looking her over briefly, he sensed she was well and looked to Satomi. She saved him, as much as he would never admit it. Her power… she was drained once more on his behalf. He had to be stronger. He didn't need someone, he needed to protect. That was his duty. The duty his father gave him.

"Can you stand?" he asked seeing her stature waver as he saw her step forward.

"I just need rest. Food and rest," she said smiling to Rin as Rin ran to get the food as if nothing had happened. "You seem better off," she said with a small smile to him as he looked away.

"Just more accustomed. I assure you, you will not have to exert that much energy in the future," he said before walking back to the small fire that was slowly going out now. He could feel her following, and he wondered how much energy she actually used. To be standing after using so much, she was a force to be reckoned with. To kill a strong demon like that in a single blast. If power was what he sought, power was what he found.

He watched her closely as she leaned against a large log for support as she rested and ate. Before when she used her powers, she was willing to ask for them to be recharged and yet she seemed to believe rest would. The powers weren't coming back so fast and he was wondering if perhaps the memories weren't there for her. After, he went on patrol, he could feel that they were now asleep and went back. The perimeter was safe and still her powers weren't quick to charge.

Standing above her, he kneeled and wiped a hair from her face that was on her lips. "What have you done to me?" he asked as he looked at the details of her face. The small freckles that were almost invisible, the way her lips parted in her sleep and were full, a woman's lips to be touched and kissed. Hayate angered him when he touched her and yet all he wanted was her safe. Away from her he could make excuses but here and now, he just wanted her to sleep peacefully. He was his father's son he thought simply as he put his hand under her head and gently brought her up to not wake her.

His lips touched hers gently as he gave her energy. She wasn't his to have, but he would do all he could to protect her. His silver hair draped around her, as if sharing his desire to protect her. Lifting his lips off of hers, she moaned quietly in her sleep and her mouth twitched as he gently put her down. Disappearing, he could feel her awaken.

Her lips felt warm again, she woke up from a strange dream. A dream that her and Sesshomaru were… kissing. Blushing as she touched her lips, she felt so euphoric and her heart was beating so fast. There were dreams but this felt so real. As if it was here and now. Shaking that off, she knew she would have to sleep even more to be ready for tomorrow. Feeling her powers back, she thought it was because of the good sleep and even dream, and she slowly went back to bed knowing that she could rest easy with Sesshomaru to protect them. Just a feeling she had. Soon they would be in the Southern Land and their futures laid out. She could feel it.

Chapter 10

Sesshomaru flew in front of the two ladies who rode on Ah-Un. Yesterday evening made him wonder just what was happening to him. Was it the power of a deity or just his own swaying emotions? Was he truly just like this father and so weak of heart to allow this to happen? Yet he did not feel weak, just he opposite in fact. There was a sort of resilience he felt inward of himself. He couldn't say he loved her, but he also couldn't say he hated her by any means. Trusting of her intentions with Rin was what he had but now he could tell there was more. The need to protect her as she was under his care now. He would cross the consequences when they would come. His simple wish was to make sure she was safe, the emotion different than it was with protecting Rin. Similar and yet so different. Emotions were hardly his strong suit and he wasn't about to waste time figuring it out, it was what it was now.

Over the horizon, he could see the southern land's domain. Kaito's domain was peaceful along the ocean as where he could keep an eye on threats from the seas. The barrier just made it look like an eerie forest with fog before the ocean, the humans called it cursed and ominous. No one would dare approach and humans were put into a maze if they dared tried without an escort in. As they made their way through the fog, what was revealed was an extensive town and castle surrounding it. The light-colored buildings with the texture of what looked like coral with a center that protruded with a large tower that could see everything. They were heading straight for it as he heard the ladies gasp with awe. The demons here sought peace from the humans and Kaito's protection. Sesshomaru's own father used to talk about the southern lands and how he wished there could be something to that end in the west. However, here was much more peaceful and the demons meant the peace they sought. Perhaps one day, but that was not the problem at hand now. Now, they had a war with the North to fight and Satomi was the bargaining chip for Kaito's cooperation… he had to put his trust fully with her now.

As they landed onto the tower, the overlook was beyond measure. The human lands to the oceans could be seen so clearly and pristinely. Fields of rice and human castles dulled in comparison and the ocean was so blue and shined beautifully as the sun started to set over it. The orange was starting to show now and soon the purples and reds would make their way into the horizon. As Sesshomaru glanced at Satomi, he could see her looking at the water with a gleam in her eyes he found himself compelled to look moments longer than he should. She was very much human with a goddess affect, she was truly one of a kind. As she turned, he led them to a door as Rin looked at the view with wonder. When he opened the door, he was met with two guards that bowed.

"This way, Lord Sesshomaru. Lord Kaito is waiting for you in the gathering hall," a young man said with tanned skin and ears pointed like Sesshomaru's. His hair was kept short and a very dark brown, Satomi guessed it was originally a black but faded with the sun's extremities. One of the women from the castle she was sent to long ago had a similar skin color and hair much the same. The stories of the south and its prosperity even among humans made Satomi always long for the visit. Now, she was finally here. The fact she was with Rin made the visit all the more meaningful. Hopefully it would be a successful venture. Since Sesshomaru asked for her help, she wanted to do all she could for him since he was doing all he could for Rin. He wasn't her father, but Rin had a guardian who could protect her in these warring times. If they had been in another age, maybe things could have been different. Or perhaps they would never have met at all. The thought made her feel a sense of longing and loss. As much as he put himself at a distance, he wasn't evil or even bad for that matter. He just… had a way of pushing things away so that he could do his own journey. With power came battles and it was obvious to her now he just wanted to protect who he could.

She could hear Ah-Un fly away before they shut the door and lead them further inside the manor. This place was huge, grand and yet it didn't seem lavish or in ill taste. It had the air of peace and welcome within the light walls with patterns of swirled light blue within the walls. The windows were wide open to welcome the air and light. Unlike Sesshomaru's castle that was much more secluded. When she met Kaito before he was very friendly and even gave her the small blue orb necklace that she wore tucked in the neckline of her yukata. She found it very soothing from time to time when she would play with it looking to the moon. This castle made her feel at ease with its openness and warmth, much like his personality that day they met.

Leading them through to what seemed to be the middle of the castle, the guard slid open the double doors and Kaito was in the center in a casual black and white hakama and haori. He was overlooking the ocean from yet another large, open window with his hand clasped behind his back. The image reminded her of her grandfather years ago when he would just be looking to the distance at peace before realizing she was there. As if the universe was telling him its secrets and he forgot as his attentions turned. The flecks of grey in his black hair was more apparent in the setting sun in front of them as the strands glistened.

"I do believe that is my dear Satomi and the distinguished Lord Sesshomaru visiting me. I thought I felt the presence of a fellow demon and a lovely deity, and even the most endearing human girl, Rin. How wonderful to have you at my home," he said as he turned with a smile that the wrinkles by his eyes showed more prominently. The three of them were left with Kaito as the guard left with the door open. Rin looked to the window and moved around Satomi to get a better look.

"It is an honor, Lord Kaito," Sesshomaru said as Satomi bowed deeply beside him and Rin followed suit after looking at Satomi doing so. Being on the same level, Sesshomaru felt no need. Kaito nodded his head and his attention went to Satomi as she rose up along with Rin. Her aura had changed considerably since the day he arrived at the Dog Demon's manor. Kaito approached them and held his hand to her cheek without touching it. Just strands of her hair glazed across his palm.

"You are extraordinary, young lady," he said as he could feel her power from across the room let alone from standing mere feet from her. His hand felt warm, probably from her divine powers, and he lowered it after noticing Sesshomaru glaring just ever so slightly. Just enough to where he wondered where the dog demon's affections were with the girl. "Just standing here I can feel the change in you. You have started to fully awaken then?"

"I suppose slowly. Things are still new to me, but I hope to do what I can," she said with a sincere smile. The gods seemed to be on their side, which was strange as a demon to think about. Somehow, he knew they could only be laughing and there would be a catch. Being a demon, he knew that odds were never in their favor, but this girl could very well tip the scale with that troublesome mess to the north. "We hope to find some insight here before we go back to the West," she added trying to pry some information from him as to what exactly he had planned.

"Insight? I suppose so. Which is also why I brought you here for my own insights. A deity on our side is surely a blessing, which is strange for a demon. Demons are used to using our own strengths or lesser use the strengths of others. Sesshomaru is strong enough with myself and Koga to at least start to end the battle, but your presence could help considerably with the final blow. I wish to know if your presence is a gift or a curse to the cause. If it is right to involve you or should we rethink the plans brought to attention. That is what I wish to know." He looked to her with conflicted eyes as he saw her confused face finally enlightened to his meaning.

Sesshomaru thought it would be something like this. A deity to not appear before them for centuries and then magically appear before a battle like this is a strange coincidence. Curiosity wasn't uncommon, but the timing was. Almost too good to be true was the general consensus it seemed. Satomi looked down heartened, but she saw his point as well. Was her presence truly for the best of the demons or another cause? At least if nothing else she would be able to protect Rin and anyone else. If that was her one purpose, she supposed that wouldn't be so bad. Although, she was actually looking forward to defeating one evil demon since the last one got away from her.

Rin was oblivious as she overlooked the vast city. It looked nothing like the rest of the country, and yet so simple. Coral like buildings that seem connected one street at a time, some larger than others but all the general size of a hut it seemed. White and almost blinding in the sun, and yet so peaceful and clean unlike most everywhere else. Perhaps if they could just a little while to explore… but from the atmosphere it didn't seem all too likely she thought as she happened to glance back and noticed Satomi's downtrodden look.

"However, you have been sent to us for a reason, and I wish to see what that entails none the less. You'll recognize the seeress I'm sure, my Hana of course, Maori as well. Your powers have changed and that means a change in the future. Any change has a ripple effect, as I am told, however the general path is followed so long as nothing drastic happens. Your powers awakening to this level is drastic in terms of a new outcome. Hana should be here by the time the moon is high in the sky. I trust you will still be awake by then my Deity of the Moon," he said with a twinkle in his eye.

The quick glare from Sesshomaru did not elude him, rather entertain him. He was Toga's son that was for sure, although with far less humor. From what he was told the young son also had a bit of a temper. Toga was an honorable demon who took pride in protecting the weak, and perhaps this made him fall in love with the human princess. Toga's first woman was a dog demon to be feared and yet she too had an honor to her clan and was far from cruel. Sesshomaru's quest for power may have started from trying to beat his father, however, he noticed a different motive now. The changes were subtle, but they were there. To protect the ones he cared about, Toga was a crafty demon and to think he could even make his son learn new things two centuries after his passing. Truly a mind he would have loved to talk to more.

"We shall be back," Sesshomaru said as he looked to Kaito less sternly. He could quite grasp why he was so possessive over this woman. He was never one to overthink things, but just a simple twinkle in an old man's eye had his blood boil. The old man knew it too.

"Please see the city sights while you are here. We have a festival going on now to honor those we care about, both in the now and those who have passed on. It takes place over several days, but you should take a look around." That brightened Satomi's face and Rin's as they both looked to each other and then to Sesshomaru.

"Oh please, my lord!" Rin looked to him with the best begging eyes she could muster as she quickly made her way to Satomi who was now smiling between them both. "I would love to attend a festival, I haven't seen a large one ever and I hear they're so fun."

"It would be a nice break, and it would be a great experience for us both. I haven't been to one in many years," Satomi said smiling almost apologetically to Sesshomaru. He sighed as he turned around as both girls pouted.

"Well, since we have nothing else to do until night fall…," he started and before he could even finish both of his female companions cheered as they hugged each other.

"I will show you to your rooms where you can relax if you so wish," Kaito said with a smile as he walked passed Sesshomaru and lead the trio down the white hall way quite a distance until he opened a room. "My ladies, you shall have this room." Across the hall he opened another door. "My lord you may have this room. I figured you'd want a close eye on those two and you can see the city and festival from the window there." The overly large window overlooked everything and especially the festivities below. Sesshomaru nodded as he saw the girls admire their room. Humans were so strange to marvel over such trivial things, but he supposed the would never understand that.

"I shall see you all in the same room as earlier when the moon is high in the sky. The way to the festival is just down the hall and out of the doors," Kaito said as the girls laughed laying on the enormous bed with so many pillows it was like being on a cloud compared to the forest floor. They acknowledged but only briefly before they noticed a more serious aura in the room. Sesshomaru was standing in the door way with his arms crossed.

"Oh, no, I think we were too loud," Rin said before they both smiled sheepishly. Satomi went to their large window and sat in the wide frame. Rin sat across from her as both were able to fit comfortably. "Sesshomaru, will you go with us?" she continued as her face blushed slightly. Satomi looked away and out towards the quieter part of the city, but his response surprised her.

"I would wish to see the city as well. I have not been here in particular for some time. I must see that it is safe, and I will not take chances as I know what we are dealing with." Satomi looked back to him and she noticed his expression changed. A split second of surprised before he turned away. "If you wish to enjoy the festival, we should not waste time."

When Satomi turned around, he felt the wind knocked out of him. Her hair was its normal brown and she was like most humans, but the angle and the light on her face surprised him. As if she was a goddess, so bright and… beautiful. A word he never thought he would think of to describe a female of any sort. He could hear them chatter behind him as they followed him out to the city.

Watching them as the weaved in front of him as their excitement grew, he couldn't help but feel very out of place. This place was swarming with demons and yet none paid any attention to them. Humans lingered in the bunch and half demons galore, but he was truly taken by surprise as Rin and Satomi filled themselves up on festival foods and played games as he watched silently. Satomi surprised him most of all, she was like a mother figure to Rin… and he knew Rin saw him as a father figure. Rin was so easy to care for as she didn't ask for much. However, he had to admit he was lacking in experience of raising children. It was strange to see a woman in action and taking over. His own mother was far from a brilliant example to go off of. Satomi made it look so nurturing and easy as she told Rin of customs and the best things to get and what to avoid.

What Sesshomaru didn't expect even more was the scent of a particular half demon and his miko. Looking up, he saw Inu-Yasha and Kagome weave through the crowd as they saw Rin and Satomi. The women hugged and gushed about new happenings. Inu-Yasha moved off to the side to see Sesshomaru. He could guess why he was there, but he had a feeling he'd find out soon. Following Inu-Yasha out of the crowd, he couldn't sense anything abnormal.

"Well, so you are here," Inu-Yasha said as he crossed his arms in his sleeves. "Kagome was invited here for the festival and seeing you're here then there must be something else happening too. Her powers have changed, Satomi's. I didn't know it was her until I smelled you and Rin."

"She had progressed. Kaito, the southern demon lord, invited us here. Turns out that Satomi is a deity and our father knew one would appear one day. He gave Kaito a necklace to unlock her powers and here we are, seeing just how much we need her in the battle ahead with the northern demons. They attacked us and are relentless. She killed one, the others are alive as far as I know." Sesshomaru's version of the events was short but sweet and Inu-Yasha preferred it that way as the women smiled and laughed over something in the distance.

"Another battle, huh? Go figure, just another thing this place needs," Inu-Yasha said shaking his head. Kagome would be pulled into the war, he knew it. Her powers would be far too powerful to just leave aside. The humans would need her but putting her in danger just felt wrong. He would always be there to protect her though, that much he knew for certain.

"Hopefully this one will not be as long. Depends on tonight and what the seeress says. Kaito will not make a move without the seeress making her prediction. Superstitious old demon if you ask me, but we need his support. Koga will be behind us, he doesn't want an invader any more than we do. Kaito would have more time but he knows if the East and West fall, he would be next. Even if the vision is not in our favor, I will end this fight either way."

"Always doing things alone. We may not see eye to eye, but we share the same father. I will protect my home too."

Sesshomaru said nothing as the women approached them. "You two done yet?" Kagome asked impatiently. "I want to go to a proper festival with my husband and these two lovely ladies need an escort!" Inu-Yasha sighed "Yeah yeah woman, I hear ya." As they bickered, Satomi giggled as they walked back into the crowd. Sesshomaru didn't move for a moment but decided it would be best to follow. As much as he hated to admit it, Inu-Yasha would be a good help to the cause.

By the time it was fully night, they had ventured the length of the village festivities up and down. Sensing no danger, Sesshomaru left the group to be out of the crowds. He was never much for them and that didn't change much. Satomi could feel his presence nearby though and she excused herself as Rin settled in with Kagome and Inu-Yasha. No harm would come to her there.

The night sky twinkled with stars, but the moon was still shallow in the sky. It was beautiful, and the lights of the torches around the city were dimming them. Walking in the direction of his aura, she watched the stars get brighter until she could see the swirls around them. It reminded her of the night she awoke from her stone slumber.

"Crowds are a little much for me too," she said sitting at the base of the tree he was up a few branches on. "Rin is with Kagome and Inu-Yasha, so she will be fine." He didn't say anything and she looked up at the night sky as she leaned back. "Thank you for letting us come here today. I know we didn't have anything else to do, but she needed this. To be a normal human girl with not a fear in the world."

"She lives with no fear," Sesshomaru said simply. Satomi smiled at his truth. "Oh, I don't know about that, but she's very good at conquering her fear which is more than what most humans can say. I think she gets that from being with you. With a demon lord to protect you, what would you have to fear? Thank you for being so good to her. It means more to me than you'll ever know."

"She's the one who has been good to me. She didn't fear me even when we first met, her courage stems from you. Even if she doesn't remember, many of her strengths are also with you," he said as he silently came down from the tree, floating it seemed, to the ground. "You are a truly strange human, perhaps that is why you are the deity you are. Humans didn't deserve your strength, and so you are what you are."

Satomi's eyes watered up as Sesshomaru sat next to her on the ground, he didn't glance at her as he looked up to the sky. She didn't need him to either. They both cared for Rin to the bottom of their hearts, and that was the one connection she could be content with. This demon was as cold as they came with a heart so warm, he didn't even notice though.

Suddenly there was a low boom followed by an explosion of lights. Sesshomaru tensed and Satomi reached out to him. As a reflex, he pinned her down by her wrist and hovered above her. Both surprised by what happened, they just stared at each other. Sesshomaru's eyes widened along with Satomi's as her cheeks grew redder, illuminated by the fireworks each time they went off. His grip released and he moved away from above her. His silver hair that fell around her felt familiar somehow, as if this wasn't the first time. But her heart beat like it was the first time. Her mind was racing as she slowly sat up. "Um… sorry. I guess I thought you were going to attack something for a moment, so I reached out. I didn't mean to surprise you," she said playing with a section of her hair, a nervous tick of hers.

He didn't speak, he felt ashamed he overreacted to do such a thing. He didn't hurt her, but he very well could have. However, her under him unleashed a new problem. It was only a few seconds, but the idea of her body under his and face flushed with his hair around her ignited a thought process he didn't think of before. "We should go," he said standing up as he waited for her to follow.

"Just until the show ends?" she asked as she also stood up. Watching the sky light up was truly amazing and she wanted to cherish it fully. Looking ahead, she saw Kagome and Rin running up the hill. Inu-Yasha walking behind as Sesshomaru stopped to honor her wish. This woman would be the end of him, but he didn't seem to mind the challenge either.

"Found you," Rin said as they caught up. "We had to ask Inu-Yasha to sniff you out."

"Sorry, guess we just aren't good at crowds," Satomi said with a laugh as they made their way down the hill as the fireworks stopped. "We should head back though. Kaito will be expecting us soon." Kagome and Satomi had talked about what was going on here, but Kagome was invited for the festival activities later, not the ceremony as Satomi believed at first. Apparently, there was a mass of people here for healing as well since this is what started the festival to begin with. Demons and humans coming together to heal and with those gatherings usually come a demon or two wanting to ruin the spirits. Kagome's power would be enough to hold back any smaller demons on her own and even more powerful than that, Inu-Yasha would be able to help with the rest.

"See you later," Kagome called out as it came time to part ways. Looking to Inu-Yasha, she hummed a happy tune. "She's really changed, so has Rin too. Actually so has Sesshomaru. Your brother actually seems unbothered by her now. Or at least not in that way. He was looking at her pretty intently."

"Probably because he's suspicious. The guy is incapable of love."

"Oh, he had puppy eyes for her. I'd recognize a dog demon's puppy eyes anywhere. I have experience."

"Don't read into it. There's no way," he said blushing as she smiled at him with a wink.

"Oh, there's a way…"

They continued on like that until Inu-Yasha turned and pulled her into a kiss. She froze for a moment as she relaxed against him until he pulled away. "The one way to shut you up…" he said as she just shook her head and smiled.

Sesshomaru lead the way into the palace as there was instructions on Satomi and Rin's door. 'Satomi-Bathe and dress before arriving. They will take care of you after you are done. Sesshomaru, please meet me and we shall talk specifics. The young human girl is free to come so you can be guaranteed her safety.'

Hard to refuse. As they did as the note told, Sesshomaru led Rin and Satomi stayed and bathed. The walk today was certainly new. She was used to walking but not with so much going on all around her. The crowds and activity were bountiful to say the least. Satomi sighed as she tried not to think too hard on what was to come.

Hearing a knock on the door as she tried herself off from her bath and dressed into the plain white kimono, she saw a young lady enter with three boxes. Boxes that memory told her carried the formal kimono layers. As she put them on, there was no talking. Just the sound of silk slipping against its own material. As they finished, she was barefooted, and they walked down the hall. The cool floor a relief against the pads of her feet, she tried to concentrate on that aspect as the door opened and she saw Sesshomaru and Kaito straight ahead.

Chapter 11

"Lord Sesshomaru," Rin asked questioningly as they walked down the hall. "Will Satomi be okay? I mean she seemed nervous today."

"Nothing will happen to her that you need to worry about," he said simply as he kept looking ahead with a clenched jaw. Nothing irritated him more than not knowing the next move. Usually he could guess or call the shots, but this was beyond his control. Given, he could threaten Kaito, but Kaito was powerful albeit a little off kilter with an abnormal demon personality. He would make it his duty to watch over Satomi during the ceremony, although he had heard nothing really happened. Just a vague vision and if the omens were favored then they went with that. If they were ill-favored then the alternative took place. Simple yet it was beyond Sesshomaru how someone could rely on such a vague premonition.

As they walked into the large meeting hall, Rin was met with a couple familiar faces. Maori and Hana were there with smiles as they both bowed to the demon lord and Rin rushed over to them. "I'm so happy to see you. With everyone here, I'm sure everything will go well now."

"Oh yes, little one," Hana said with a smile as she brushed the girl's jaw line with affection from her finger tips. "I'm sure Satomi will be just fine. Just going to take a little peak as I touch her head. I can sense her new abilities from here! She is a powerful deity that is to be certain. However, if her role is just to protect you, little one, I do believe she would be just fine with that or if she should lead the cause to bring our peace then she would be a fierce woman to bring to battle."

"Well I don't know about fierce… but then when I eat extra sweets that she makes she does give that look… and if she can handle lord Sesshomaru, then I guess it's a good shot. She's also getting better with her powers. She took out a demon just yesterday! But he deserved it though, he was a creep," she said as the women both smiled with contentment.

"As you say, Rin, she's doing well. It will be harmless, just a little touch to the forehead and we read the omens of what we see," Maori said with a nod. "How about we go to the neighboring room so they can work? Satomi should be here soon, and we want everything to go well. Does that suit my lord?" With that Sesshomaru nodded. Maori and Hana could be trusted as far as he could tell, he wouldn't have let him into his home otherwise before. Maori and Rin got along fine, and that meant he could concentrate on the task at hand more clearly. After this is when the diplomacy would take place, and he would need all the clarity he could ask for.

He hated to admit when there was something he couldn't do. He could be diplomatic, but he was more used to force. Independence was his go to and depending on others was rather new for him. He still wouldn't in full, but he had many who depended on him it was hard not to bring up alliances. He wouldn't make the same mistake as the fight against the Panther tribe many years ago, but he had to pick his alliances wisely. Kaito and Koga were a wise choice. Koga had a more brute force to him while Kaito had years of experience and a prospering land to show for it. Koga and Kaito were respected highly and as Sesshomaru was as well, it was still strange to be put into the situation at hand.

When the door opened, he saw Satomi who looked like a noble woman. Her kimono was layered to perfection and the scent of her took him by surprise. What in hell's name did they put into her bath? It was intoxicating. Meeting his gaze, he could feel a rush wash through him as her face flushed a slight rose color under the skin of her cheeks. Her hands were clasped in front of her with the knuckles white and he could sense a driving heart beat in her breast. She was nervous, he could tell just from the after scent that lingered after the initial blast hit him.

Seeing Hana off to the side, Satomi relaxed as the woman approached her. A familiar face that she welcomed with open arms. Hana was lovely as ever, it was strange to think that what happened felt like a lifetime ago and yet it really wasn't all that long.

"You look so well, my dear. Your powers are flourishing," she said as she touched Satomi's hand and wrapped her fingers around the palm as she pulled the hand up. "This way, my dear." Leading her to in front of the window, the moon was bright and high in the sky as the festival was far below them.

Satomi's breathing grew shallow as she didn't know what to expect. Hana reached forward with her other hand and waved it across. A silvery cloud appeared and it looked to be about Satomi's body length and wide enough to hold her. "Please lay on the cloud. Do not worry, it will not harm you, just makes you feel more comfortable."

Nodding, she obeyed as she noticed Sesshomaru and Kaito looking at her intensely. Both seemed nervous, and that made her nervous. "I would like for you to close your eyes and look to the ceiling. I need for you to block out the noise and thoughts that try to enter your mind. Think of somewhere peaceful, or like you're about to go to sleep."

Easier said than done. She thought of when she saw Sesshomaru fly by her and thought of how handsome he was. Or the day Rin approached her with curiosity and joy. Singing to the children at the village and singing at the estate. The day Sesshomaru saw her naked and she was so embarrassed. Suddenly her mind took a different turn, as if seeing memories that weren't hers. Sesshomaru watching her dance that day in the clearing or seeing a lovely female demon who resembled Sesshomaru talking to him. Then the sight of Kaito who was obviously in grief as he looked to the distance. There was no sound, but the image was vivid.

Suddenly, she could see fire and smoke all around her. Bodies bloodied and scattered around her. Sesshomaru leading an attack and she at his side. Like a specter, she watched from above. A demon was before them with a wicked look as he held an unidentified body. Watching herself fly at the demon, it was suddenly dark again. But Rin was ahead of her with tears in her eyes. Tears of grief. Reaching out, her hand just phased through her. Confused, she tried again but Rin fell to the ground, obviously sobbing but there was no sound.

A light flooded her mind but this time there was noise. A horn of sorts with a mechanical silver sphere. People were inside as there was a voice overhead. "Please step carefully and we hope you enjoyed the trip. This stop is for Tokyo main station, please make your way to the platform safely." There was so many people and she was standing in the middle of it now, no longer a specter but a participant. A window revealed she was wearing strange clothing but she seemed unphased by it. Suddenly, she felt a presence near her, but the body would not look around as she stood and grabbed a metal bar that was swinging from above.

Now everything went black as she saw nothing. Just a voice deep and ominous and yet gave her hope. "My deity, Satomi, you have so much to learn." Looking around, she still saw nothing until suddenly she felt a blast of air from below her and the light was abrupt. Closing her eyes, when she opened them, there was a handsome man standing on front of her with a very ornate haori and hakama of the darkest black and weavings of silver designs throughout of the moon phases. A silver headset that was shown on his forehead with a crescent moon in its center and the rest hidden behind his long black hair that was about as long as Sesshomaru's. He looked to be younger than Kaito and yet older than Sesshomaru.

"You are…" she started but she found herself unable to speak. Putting her hands to her throat, she panicked before he brought his hand up and shook his head.

"We are already short on time. I am the god that summoned you. Tsukuyomi is my name. You are the most promising deity born of my will in many years. I will help you gain full control, but if you do… you will die. Your human body can only handle so much, but sacrifice is required in some cases to have something last far longer. The protection of that demon and sister perhaps? Jiro is far more evil than even Naraku was, and he needs to be defeated if this nation is to thrive into the one you saw before you. My request is simple, defeat Jiro and I will protect your loved ones. I will also be sure you see that life you saw before you. Or live your life as you see fit with the abilities you stumble upon along the way with perhaps Jiro living and destroying everything you hold dear. The choice is yours. If you choose my powers then go to the window and reach out to the moon."

Darkness flooded her as she stood in shock. Die… she'd have to die to defeat Jiro? But then the promise of protection at least if she was to die. Wasn't that enough? She was meant to die many times over now; wouldn't that be enough for her to know that those she cared about would be guided to the future even if she couldn't? That strange vision she saw though… was it Kagome's world that they talked about? They had only spoke briefly of Kagome's home, but it felt so real and yet a dream. That presence she felt, was there danger there too?

Nothing about this place answered questions, just brought them up. The only thing that was answered was that she was the one who could kill Jiro. That much she knew now.

Her eyes opened to the world as she saw Hana above her with a worried look on her face. Sesshomaru was there along with Kaito. Looking around, she could see something different had changed. "What happened?" she asked as he felt very heavy suddenly, like waking from a sleep that was far too long.

"The vision was clear, but it went blank midway through and your body turned cold. We thought… the worst," Hana said as her eyes welled up with tears, but they did not fall. "When I touched you again, the vision I saw was strange and foreign to me, but it did not give me ill warnings. One thing is clear, Jiro must be defeated. To avenge the sons of the south and to save all of this land. To not do so will bring destruction. The only thing that wasn't clear, and this is where it blanked, was who…" Satomi stood up and looked to the window. The moon seemed to call to her. "Satomi?" she could hear Hana behind her.

"The Moon God Tsukuyomi spoke to me, he said we didn't have much time, but if I took a hold of his powers…," she paused before taking a deep breath as she continued walking to the window. "I will be the one to defeat Jiro. To be his blade in battle and bring peace to this land." The others looked at her and Sesshomaru's eyes widened as he saw the golden hair appear and as she looked back those enchanting blue eyes.

Looking back to the window, she reached forward and as the moonlight touched her finger tips, she could feel herself wrapped in an aura of light. Silvery flecks flowed around her as her body was covered in silver sashes that disappeared and revealed an ornate flowing kimono that was white underneath and a silver overlay that was sleeveless. Her obi was a pale green with silver ties and her sleeves were wide at the bottom but slimmed as it went up. A hair ornament appeared as she could feel its weight, a crescent moon with silver metal lilies.

Looking at herself in awe, she could hear his voice again in her mind. 'You are now the goddess of the moon… take heed my advice of using your powers only when necessary, my young goddess.'

Looking towards Kaito and Hana she smiled and Sesshomaru looked at her in awe as she felt heated from his gaze. Stepping towards him, she wanted to reach forward to feel his embrace. This signed her death, but he would be protected… along with Rin. That was to be never said aloud, and she would harden her heart from it. As tears began to form, she balled her hands into fists before letting them go to her side loosely. "Tsukuyomi has given me the power of the goddess. I will defeat him in this battle. The people depend on us, both humans and demons."

"My goddess," Kaito said as he approached her cautiously. The aura and power that radiated from her almost hurt to approach. "It is you though, my dear Satomi?"

Taken back by his response, she did glance over herself in horror for a moment before a small smile appeared. "I assure you, it is me," she said with a laugh. "I suppose he felt I needed to look the part, eh?"

Kaito laughed uneasily as all eyes went to Sesshomaru. He was still staring at her. She was no longer human; the scent of human was gone. She had truly become a goddess. However, it still smelled like her, just stronger and more intense. For the first time, he felt something strange that he couldn't place a finger on in terms of a word for it. It continued from the previous night into the fireworks today to seeing her now. Growing but he still knew not the word for it.

Suddenly the thought hit him… what did she give up receiving this power? The god could have done this himself if he was so inclined, couldn't he? As much as they were gods, they still let people die and villages starve, they weren't for charity.

"Sesshomaru?" Satomi asked as she reached up to touch his cheek. Her human nature of apprehensiveness seemed to dull for a moment as she tried to read what was going through his mind. "I'm okay. We have the power now to defeat him, isn't that enough?"

"At what cost?" he couldn't help but ask so long as she was bringing up the point. He didn't fight off her touch, but he knew it may have to if he wished to be calm.

Her eyes widened but she expected him to catch on. Maybe the goddess self of her could lie better than her human form could. "For Jiro to be defeated no matter the cost. That was his request."

There was more, he knew it, but he would unbury the truth soon enough one way or another.

"I wish to see Rin," Satomi said as she let her arm fall from Sesshomaru's cheek and went to the room where she could sense Rin. Suddenly, she could tell where everyone was. A movement made her aware and it was slightly overwhelming. Stumbling to the door, she braced herself on the frame as she heard Hana step forward. Her steps were smaller and quicker than Sesshomaru's or Kaitos. She reached her arm back to stop her. "I'm okay, just not used to this yet." Giving a back glance of a smile, she opened the door to see Rin look at her with wide eyes.

"You're so… pretty!" Rin said with awe as she stepped forward and reached out to touch her kimono. "Like a noble woman."

"Like a goddess," Satomi said with a smile. "I'm going to protect you, no matter what. The moon god gave me the power to do that. He made me a goddess."

"I thought they were just going to see a vision and that was it, but you got to be turned into a goddess?! How crazy is that?" she said looking at Satomi's golden hair and blue eyes.

"Very crazy," Satomi said as she suddenly felt very drained. Her hair and eyes went back to her normal color and the elaborate kimono faded to the one she started the ceremony with. Sinking to the floor, she breathed in heavy. "But that power is insane." Laughing quietly, she could sense Sesshomaru behind her, she didn't need to be a goddess to figure that one out. All she could feel was contentment as she felt her body fall asleep.

Sesshomaru caught her before she fell forward as Rin reached out to make sure Satomi was alright. Foolish girl drained her powers again and that was just from a short time as a goddess. He still couldn't put his head around it yet, but he had a feeling she would rival his own power now and then surpass with enough training. If she was to be stronger, she would have to train harder. He doubted Jiro would fall that quickly, and she wasn't even fighting.

"I'll take her to her room. Rin and Maori, I ask that you watch her and alert me if anything changes."

"Yes, my lord," Rin said with enthusiasm as Maori bowed and they followed a short distance behind.

"Kaito, I trust we may speak later?"

"Of course, Lord Sesshomaru. I will await your return."

Nodding to Kaito, Sesshomaru left and walked carefully yet still very fast to Satomi and Rin's room. Setting her down on the bed, a part of him wanted to move that hair on her cheek. Given his audience that watched with worry though, he suppressed that urge. Standing up and walking out of the room, he left the women to do what they could. Her sleeping face was all too welcoming to him, and her scent still was strong even if her human scent had returned. They had become one in the same, this goddess side and human side. Not like before, he could tell the difference now. The same one that kissed him and as he revived her powers, would she remember now?

Pushing the though aside, he saw Kaito leaning against the frame of the window Satomi was at. He looked lost in thought. "Sesshomaru, the south supports the effort. With Satomi at the front, I believe we stand a stronger chance. Hana has told me this, the omens are set for victory with the support of the goddess. Please let her rest and I will allow you all to stay as long as necessary."

"May I ask why?" Sesshomaru said, although he knew the general answer was said, he felt there was more.

"With her, my hopes of my son's death to be avenged grows. Other demon's that follow me had son's die when looking into the matter. To lose a father must be tragic, but to lose a son… that is something you wish to be erased from your memory. The pain of it all but forgetting would be them dying a second time. Cherish those that you care about. Protect them with all your strength but when it is time for them to go, unless if you're the god of death… it's time to let them go. However, your sword Tenseiga makes you a little less prone to such sadness. Your father truly loved that human woman," Kaito said the last part as if an afterthought. To make a sword so dedicated to human life, it was no wonder Toga was both admired and feared. So different from most demons and yet that same compassion brought him to his death, but as a result his son and human lover survived. Perhaps that was the peace he had with dying.

"He died protecting her, I thought I'd never know why he would be so careless. I sought power to become stronger to surpass his weakness. I couldn't understand my mother's calmness on the matter, so I went my own path. But…"

"Something changed?" Kaito finished looking to Sesshomaru with knowing eyes. "That woman has the power to make you see a light you thought long since gone out. A candle in the dark, so to speak. I see your glances at her, it reminded me of when your father approached me about Izayoi. He had a similar look when describing her. As if he had met her a million times over and yet looked at her the first time."

"He never spoke to me about it, so I wouldn't know," Sesshomaru admitted a little bitterly.

"Your mother was important to him, but he couldn't leave her alone either. Hundreds of years and you meet someone like that who sets your soul afire… it's rare for us demons as we have no fear of the passage of time. He knew if he was to love that human that he didn't have long to do so. So, he did with all his heart." Sighing, Kaito walked towards Sesshomaru and put a hand on his shoulder. "I have no doubt he's proud of the legacy he left behind."

Kaito left him with that thought. Looking towards the moon, Sesshomaru felt a sense of pride well up from inside of him. Making his father proud and surpassing him was what he strove to do. Living honorably by living up to his father's name. He was convinced now he was on the right path and to keep going.

XXXXXXXXX

Jiro felt an energy source wave through his body as he woke next to a naked demoness he had spent the evening with. The deity was no longer just a deity… she was a goddess. The idea sent a thrill down his spine. Standing up, he heard the woman moan in protest but ignored her. Going to the window, he looked to the south and there was a small stream of light from the moon to the landscape below.

"My Lord, won't you come back…" she started to say as Jiro turned around and covered her face with his hand.

"You'll do well not to speak unless if I ask you to. One more syllable and you'll be ash at my feet," he said before she nodded and he let her face go. She left the room and he sighed. Such a pain… But Satomi would be his soon enough, that he knew. It was high time he paid that little wench a visit along with Sesshomaru. Her power would bring forth a new age, his domain would reign over this land in terror and the oceans would feel his power.

An evil smile graced his face as he clicked his tongue. "Satomi, your power will be mine."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Rin and Maori managed to change Satomi out of her many layers and put her to bed in a light yukata. It was tedious, but Satomi slept through it all like a baby. Maori couldn't help but admire her though, everything she went through and now the head of a war. The woman was truly unstoppable it seemed.

"Do you think she'll be okay?" Rin asked brushing some strands from Satomi's face.

"With you watching her? Of course," Maori said with confidence as she sat on the bed and Rin sat on the other side of Satomi. "She is a force that cannot be stopped, and she will stop at nothing to protect you. But that means you get to watch out for her too."

"I promise! Lord Sesshomaru will too, I'm sure of it. They'll be unstoppable, but if only they'd get married. I don't understand why they wouldn't like each other a little more than what's been going on," Rin said as she crossed her arms and pouted at the lack of progress she saw.

Maori had to hold back a laugh. "Maybe after the war is done, little one. Let's let her rest now. My room is next door if you wish to come with me." Rin nodded as they left the room.

As Satomi slept, she could feel a dark aura look her way. The battle would soon be here, but there was still time to train her powers. Still time to do all she could for those she cared about. So long as she had some time left, it was all she needed.

'I will be strong. I will not falter. I will protect them.' Over and over, she could feel it radiate within her soul. She had to believe she would win. Everything rode on this chance she took. There was not an option to fail.

Chapter 12

Sesshomaru could feel her powers returning as the night continued. Sitting on the window sill overlooking the city with his back pressed against the side, he would close his eyes from time to time to think. Rin was now long asleep along with everyone else he was keeping tabs on. The only one unable to sleep was himself. Hour after hour, he contemplated his role in this battle. The role she now had was on par with his own. She was the deciding factor they needed, but now she could very well overwhelm him if he so let her or rather if she so wished it. Her power was immense now, even if she used a good portion in the first few minutes. A slight adjustment period and he knew that no one could challenge her fairly.

All his life, he searched for someone with power to challenge. Now that he found someone worthy, he couldn't think of harming her. Rather he would do anything to protect what she was. As a human, she was stubborn and strong. As a deity, she was cunning and elegant. Now as a goddess, he could feel the two finally become one entity.

Wondering if she was remembering the little memories he knew she didn't realize had happened between them, would she turn away from him? The thought made him rather put on edge. He never really cared what women thought of him in either case, but somehow, she made him falter. Not wanting her to run away, he became agitated suddenly and had to take a small walk to clear his mind.

'Hmph,' he grunted as he stood and walked out of his room. But as soon as he did, he regretted it. Her scent hit him like a wall and he felt dizzy from it. It wasn't strong, but it was unavoidable. Calling to him, he found himself opening the door to her room. A slight glittering aura surrounded her as her power continued to rise. The moonlight was touching her hand as it lay outstretched, but the rest he could see perfectly fine with his vision.

The woman was reckless as she slept, one arm one direction, and the other across the bed. The blankets twisted around her legs and her waist as her yukata was opened just enough so he could see the line of her cleavage. And suddenly, she was looking at him, as if dreaming. However, he knew better. Her heart beat had changed and her eyes were becoming clearer by the second.

Saying nothing, she rose to sit up and looked at him curiously.

"Sesshomaru? Are you here because you were worried?" Tilting her head to the side, she awaited his answer. It was neither a question that faulted or praised him, he just wasn't expecting to be taken off guard.

"You should rest," he said simply as he turned to walk out of the door. But then he felt her hand on his as it touched the door in an instant and his eyes widened. Looking down at her, her sleeves were off her shoulders now, but she was oblivious to it or she was more of a vixen than he thought.

"I do not wish to rest," she said as if she was confused about what she felt. "I would like company."

"I doubt I am the best company," he said never being one for small talk.

"But I want your company, or is it truly that horrible what I am now?" Her hand glided over the fabric of is haori sleeve to his shoulder where it rested under his armor. Her eyes watching as she did so as if she was measuring. Her eyes closed for a moment and when they opened, they looked up at him with an emotion he didn't recognize. A kind of pain and yet there was hopefulness.

Turning his body to face her, he took her hand at his shoulder and brought it in front of him. She was asking him for something, and yet he could not put a finger on it. Taking a moment, he took a subtle sniff in the air. Her body was… wanting. The slight musky smell that told of a woman's arousal was without a doubt from her. He could find her anywhere with her scent and adding this to it made his own bodily demands want to be unleashed. Looking to her eyes, his own widened as she moved to his face. He did nothing to stop her as she reached up to pull his head down to meet hers as their lips touched.

She was completely aware, he was hesitant to believe it and as her eyes closed his soon followed. Aware, wanting, and beautiful…. What had this woman done to him?

Satomi had woken up feeling eyes on her. Sesshomaru had been watching her, and it felt like a dream yet. In her dreams she could live out her desires. In her dreams she could touch him… kiss him. Dreaming, it had to be a dream yet. But his hand let go of hers and wrapped around her. In her dreams, this is when she woke up. In the court yard, at his estate, and when they were on the road… they all felt like far off dreams and yet this time she wasn't waking up.

She deepened the kiss wanting to test the limits before her eyes would open and he would no longer be there. His mouth opened for her as her tongue entered and softly prodded as her hands tangled in his silver hair. It was so soft, a demon trait of being perfect perhaps? Hearing a soft groan from his throat, she stopped and opened her eyes.

This wasn't a dream.

As she breathed slightly heavier to regain her breath as her hands rested on his chest, he seemed completely unphased except his eyes that were confused and widened slightly. What to tell him? He wasn't a dream Sesshomaru that disappeared and left her wanting more. He was here and not leaving from the looks of it.

"I'm sorry, I…" she started but not wanting to apologize. Not truly.

"Sorry?" He asked as her head shot up to look at him rather shocked. They looked like this was familiar, and she was the one acting odd. The dreams… were they real?

"This isn't our first time, is it?" she asked as her face turned bright red. His silence confirmed her suspicions.

"That time you spent away was… from me?" she asked looking to his chest not really knowing what to do. She felt so embarrassed as the pieces finally came together. But then that meant her human form appealed to him in some way. Again, his silence was a general answer of yes. "I'm an idiot."

Leaning her head against his chest, facing down she suddenly saw her cleavage and gasped as her hands went to fix it before his hands stopped her. Now that she was a few inches away, her eyes started to well with tears thinking this was the worst. Not knowing where to begin in wondering what the worst part was, she was shocked when his lips came back down to hers once gently. The kiss was quick, and she wouldn't be sure if it happened but her own eyes witnessed the action.

He didn't say anything, he just put a hand behind her head and brought her forward to him once again. This time their lips continued where they left off before as she took a sharp intake of breath before moaning quietly against his mouth. Months of frustration and memories she thought were nothing but a dream suddenly being shattered, it made her power surge without even realizing it.

The surge in her power made his own demonic power surge along with it. His arm went to the small of her back and turned them so she was against the wall next to the door. His body close to hers as he bent down slightly to grip her upper thighs, never breaking their kiss. Bringing her up to his level, he used his body and the wall to keep her in place.

He felt a smile emerge from her against his lips and that made him swell with pride. Her body was perfect against his, every curve worthy to remember. The yukata she wore left little to the imagination now as the opening was now at the apex of her thighs as her legs wrapped around his waist. The warmth of her core made him erect with need. Her hands found their way to his chest and arm armor as she untied them with haste. His mouth found her neck and nipped at her pulse point enjoying the gasps and moans that escaped her.

She was his now, he would make sure of it.

Never before had she been so happy to be familiar with intricate battle armor as she was now. Untying the armor as he had his way with her neck and collar bone nipping and licking the wounds as the slightest hint of blood would show. His claws dug into her lower back, pushing her to him even more as his armor dropped with a metallic thud against the floor. The ties around his waist were significantly easier for her after dealing with the armor she could actually feel what he was doing to her.

His body was unwavering and strong as she sensed no hesitation with her body writhing against him out of instinct. The coldness in his eyes was no longer there, just the desire to satisfy and be satisfied. The muscles under the material of his clothing was tight and solid. Lean muscle that made her want to see it all and feel every inch of him. The growing arousal that was now apparent that the ties to the rest of the outer layer of clothing was done was set firmly against her pelvis. The thought of him inside of her made her even more wet than her body already was. If she wasn't ready for him, she didn't know what ready was.

Suddenly, he stopped and let her feet back on the ground. Looking at him confused, he used his lightning fast speed to swing them to the bed as the frame buckled a moment from the impact. Her eyes were wide for a moment before realizing their new location. He was now on all fours above her as she was laying there with her kimono only held together loosely by her obi. His silver hair falling around their faces as he brought a hand to her obi and his eyes to hers.

It took her a moment to realize he was asking her permission to continue before it escalated further. Nodding, her face turned red as she watched him untie the last piece that kept her hidden from him. Reaching for him she took the last of his ties to hakamas. Everything fell slack as he pulled the last tie of her obi and his robes fell around him. His body was perfect, and she was the one who was able to touch, taste, and see him for all his demonic glory.

Pulling him towards her, she took him by surprise enough to get the upper hand. Her yukata hung at her elbows as his top was parted completely and his hakamas were showing off his perfectly sculpted 'V' leading to her goal. But in the meantime, she wanted to explore. Leaning down over him, she ran her tongue along his neck to where he had on her. Feeling him shudder lightly under her, she took the opportunity to gently bite his ear lobe. What emerged was a growl from the back of his throat. It was almost hard to remember he was a dog demon when he was in human form.

Letting her tongue and mouth glide along his skin, she touched his arms and sides with her hands. His skin was this unmistakable wooden scent, warm and welcoming to her. He was undeniably the most handsome being she ever saw, and she knew the next part would be the most enjoyable. She just never experienced it herself. The courtesans at the mansion she lived at for a time told each other their stories and she overheard on many occasions. In theory she knew what to expect, but then none of them ever pleasured a demon.

He let her do as she wanted, sensing her anxiousness rising as she went lower. Knowing she had never been claimed by another, it was something he was looking forward to. To make her his own and to reassure her that there was no one else like her. Even if she had just remained a human woman… or maybe he was drawn to her because of her divine qualities. Obviously, humans and demons didn't seem to do it for him.

Suddenly, she rose up on her knees and he was finally able to see her. Damn beautiful he thought as she let her yukata finally slide off her arms completely baring herself to him. Seeing the debate in her mind to cover up or not, he reached forward to her pulling her so she was once again under him. His actions shedding the last of his clothing as well. Taking a moment to look at her breasts as they rose and fell to her chaotic breathing. They weren't large by any means, but they were hers. The slim curve to her hips and finally her heated and soaking core. He could see the moisture and scent was intoxicating.

Lowering his head, he could hear her protest before falling fully to the bed and arching her back as he ran his tongue along her opening. When he reached the most sensitive part, she jerked her hips under up and moaned longingly. "Don't stop." That was all he needed to hear, continuing his onslaught he nipped and licked until she was begging for him.

Her body couldn't take anymore, his tongue was hot against her opening as he continued to manipulate her to just about find release only to back down to build her up. The cycle went on until she was almost crying from the frustration of it all. Her legs spread wider for him on instinct when he brought one hand to touch her breasts. It wandered from one to the other, as he lifted his head from her apex and moved his hand there instead. Minding his claws, he pressed against her opening and she gasped as he covered her mouth with his.

Moving in and out of her, his finger was slowly building her back up as his thumb worked on her sensitive spot. Slowly rotating his thumb around and around, she was about to be driven insane. She could taste her own essence which only seemed to heighten the pleasure. The musky smell and taste made her wonder what else he tasted like.

Wrapping her hand around his wrist, she stopped him before he could completely finish her off. "My turn," she said simply as he raised an eyebrow and the slightest hint of a smirk graced his features. Leaning him back, she looked at his body and blushed. His erection was proud, and he had every right to be proud of it. Touching the skin with her finger tips, he hissed in pleasure in response. Velvet steel under her palm as she took the full grasp and did a full pump up and down. He was graciously thick and long, ready and waiting for her. Continuing her movements, his hands went up to her face where he pulled her forward and kissed her passionately. Moving her mouth down his body as she continued, as her tongue reached his navel, she knew what she wanted to do.

Stopping her hand, she took her tongue and swirled it around the head. Salty residue coated the tip of her tongue. Gripping further down on his shaft, she had heard of what to do with a man in this situation. Apparently, he was not disappointed thus far. Taking him in her mouth, she slowly descended upon him half way before going up and then down again. He moaned and arched under her as his claws burned poison into the bed on either side of them.

Touching her hair, she stopped and looked up at him curiously. Was she not doing it right? However, his eyes were lust filled and need. He was ready, was she? In theory, yes. Moving her up she wasn't expecting him to stay below her. Did women take the top? Usually she heard no, but she didn't have time to think as his throbbing erection was at her entrance. He waited for her to descend. He was letting her decide.

Her body going down, she could feel her insides stretch to accommodate him as her soaking wet core took him in willing as there was only slight discomfort as they reached further inside. When there was nothing left for her to take it, she felt so full she could burst. Touching his chest, he looked at her with eyes she'd never seen before.

"You're mine," he said he ran his hand through her hair that fell around her and on the bed. His remark made her blush and he wasn't ashamed of it. They stayed joined like that as her body adjusted, but soon he wanted to thrust into her with the power to make her beg for him. However, she seemed to understand the need as she grinded her hips against his. Guiding her hips with his hands, he could feel her grow more comfortable with the more pleasure she was feeling. The moans and cries he heard were more than evidence enough of that.

Raising his hips, he met hers which made her cry out as he went even deeper inside of her. Feeling her body start to tighten, her movements were more chaotic, he wanted to take her. Flipping her over and not missing a beat, he spread her legs and she wrapped them around his waist as he entered her fully. Taking himself almost all the way out, he thrusted inside of her hard and stayed. Her gasp was the only the beginning as he continued taking himself almost all the way out before thrusting hard. Over and over before she was crying out in pleasure.

Moving so he was on his knees, low to the bed, he moved her so she was resting just above his knees. Plunging into her, he put one leg over his shoulder and thrust over and over until she fulfilled her release. What he didn't expect was his own. His own erection pulsing, he could feel her body drink his release in. Buried to the hilt, he didn't want to let go.

Her leg moved down to his side as they both were covered with a thin sheen of sweat and breathing heavily. Taking himself out of her, he laid there on his side as he watched her remain on her back. He could tell she was thinking as she rolled over to face him. Her face was turning red again as she looked at him.

"You blush easily," he commented as he moved a hair out of her face.

"You just noticed." Her face looked irritated, but her bashful smile proved otherwise. "What did you mean by 'you're mine'?"

The question took him by surprise. "You haven't laid with anyone else, so you're mine." He thought it was an obvious thing, but her face just turned a brighter red.

"How primitive," she said with a laugh. "What if I find someone else?" His eyes grew possessive as he grabbed her wrist. Moving over her, his eyes shown with some feral need.

"You won't." It wasn't threatening. It was a promise that no one could do what he just did to her.

Going back to his spot, he pulled her to him he wrapped his arms around her. "Now would you rest, woman." Hearing her laugh quietly before she grew quiet, he pulled the blankets over her. The moon was now being replaced by the sunlight as the last remaining hours of night passed.

Getting up, he quietly dressed as he looked at her one last time before walking to the door. His sleeping goddess. She was just as reckless now as she was when he first walked into her room. As soon as he got up from the bed she sprawled out, no doubt Rin would run in here soon and want to see her. Thinking about that, he thought it best to dress her. That proved easy, this woman was out cold. He wasn't ashamed of taking her, but there was her modesty he supposed.

Leaving the room, he had business with Kaito this morning.