Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any characters associated with Inuyasha.

The Golden Flower in the Snow

Chapter 1

The world was not bestowed to just man but divided between man and demon. Man was but a day in the life of the earth, whereas demons had ruled for centuries. Possessors of immortality demons had walked the earth with the gods themselves and in return for their service to the gods they were granted this land. Amaterasu had divided the land between the demons, making them the shepherd of man to watch over and keep balance of the earth.

The demon world was divided in to four houses, the North, the South, the East and the West. Each house represented its own abilities, symbols, traditions and resources.

The house of the South belonged to the wolves; they were the least powerful out of the four but essential. No one but the wolves could be useful or productive in the mountain terrain of the South. Lord Faida and his mate Lady Saia were the rulers of that house, wolves did not have many powers, but their sheer numbers and brutal strength was their biggest asset. The wolf demons were strong enough to transform into their humanoid form, but again lacked the grace and refined beauty that the other houses possessed. Prince Kouga was the son of the Lord and Lady of the South. The South was valued for its trade in ores and furs.

The Lord of the North was a dragon demon Lord Kaidinama and the eldest of all the Lords. Humans and demons in equal numbers occupied the Lands of the North and they lived together harmoniously. The biggest trade items from the north were sake and rice. The house of the North possessed wisdom and serenity, which was so obvious in the harmony that befell the lands of the North. The mighty house of dragons bore a roaring flame on their foreheads and black stripes highlighted their cheekbones. The Dragons had different hair colours mostly the colours of a flame ranging from, yellow, orange; blue, green but their eyes were a deadly red. Lord Kai as he was called in short had a lovely serpent mate; from a small tribe in the North her name was Lady Kauri. Lady Kauri had green hair, mesmerising grey eyes and though she was short standing at only five foot seven inches she was a real beauty. Unfortunately the pair did not yet have any children.

Lady Auria, a golden dog demon, ruled the house of the East, she was the niece of the great dog general and the only Female ruler in the four Lands. Upon her forehead sat the sun in all its glory, her cheeks were bare but her eyes were a beautiful green, with long brown hair and the grace of a queen she was a formidable force in her own right. The house of the East represented life, healing and eternity. The history of the house of the East and West were ever combined because Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi were the parents of the two houses. It was told that the first Lord and Lady of the two houses were the children of the two deities. The girl child became the Lady of the East a representation of Amaterasu herself, whilst the boy child became the Lord of the West a representation of Tsukuyomi. In this very light they were granted the powers and symbols that they now bore. The Symbol of the Sun and the powers of life, health and foresight were some of many that were given to the house of the East. The symbol of the moon and the powers of death, weapon and resurrection were some of many awarded to the house of the West. The East was famous for its offshore trade of garments and healing products. The Lady Auria was mated to her general Lord Rein a golden dog demon of her clan.

Lord Sesshomaru was the Lord of the West and nothing but his name could be a good introduction for him, he was the killing perfection. Long ago he surpassed his father in power and with the help of a human girl unlocked the power of resurrection, long awarded to his house. Unlike his cousin Lady Auria, Lord Sesshomaru was a demon of few words and his actions did speak louder than his words. Lord Sesshomaru had silver hair, golden eyes, a crescent moon represented his descents from the gods and magenta stripes on his cheeks and eyelids represented his sire. He was the son of Inukimi and Toga, both his parents were powerful demons but only his father really possessed a heart. Dog demons mated for life and that tied them in life and death. Toga had never taken a mate, despite Inukimi being the Lady of the West she was just his wife and after Toga choose to have a human wife Princess Izayoi, they both separated. With his second wife Toga sired a half demon son and died protecting his second family. Inukimi raised Sesshomaru, making him calculating and cold, but his blood was still that of his fathers, so somewhere in him his father lived. In a rage of power Sesshomaru had set out to surpass his father in power and had successfully achieved that but in doing so had accumulated a few companions a human named Rin, a toad demon Jaken and a two headed dragon Ah-Un. The West was best known for its weapons and woodwork.

Rin sat in her room wondering where her Lord had gone. She missed travelling with him but would never ask him to take her with him she knew she was too much trouble. Rin knew she would only slow them down, attract lowly demons and be a liability to her Lord. She sighed looking out the window again at the gardens of the west wing. Sesshomaru had found her at the age of seven and she had been at his side since. After two years of traveling all over the land in search of enemies and power, Sesshomaru had returned to his home with Rin. When she first arrived at the castle, she remembered how all the servants had been weary of her. She smiled to herself the past five years she had made friends here and was treated like the lady of the house. In the castle there were no humans, only different types of demons and she loved that. Last seven years of her life had taught her how honourable and lovable demons could be, even the most vicious looking ones. She also understood that being the ward of Lord Sesshomaru helped in everyone warming up to her but still demons were much nicer than humans. Every morning Rin got up, had breakfast and than got busy with her lessons. Lord Sesshomaru had made sure that Rin was educated in art, music, literature, science, history and self-defence. The best among Sesshomaru's advisors were in charge of her education and Sesshomaru's general Lord Tokimaru was responsible for her self-defence training. Rin took interest in her education but especially her self-defence training, she hoped that one day she could mirror her Lord's graceful fighting techniques to some extent.

As she looked out the window her mind returned to her Lord, again wondering when he would return.

Sesshomaru was angry, he was beyond angry and everyone could feel the anger radiating off him. No one in the council had ever dared question his decision but he could see that being here together the advisors thought they would be immune to his anger.

The demon world had found its ruler in the Lord of the West, son of the greatest Dog general to have ever lived. In the hall of councils, with its ten white marble pillars, slanted tiled roof and black marble floors, the Lords of the land had gathered. This was not the first meeting of the Lords but Sesshomaru was beginning to think it might be the last meeting; he might just go on a killing spree.

This meeting had been called in order to find out why Lord Sesshomaru was keeping the human girl. Most demons thought it unwise that a human girl be in the care of an unmated Lord. Sesshomaru was at his wits end when his cousin decided to take charge of the conversation.

"I understand that the concern is based on young Rin living with Lord Sesshomaru, I know that Lord Sesshomaru treats her as a ward. Lord Sesshomaru, dear cousin the council is correct that being unmated, Rin is placed in a compromising situation" Lady Auria was graceful in her observations.

Sesshomaru glared at Auria but she only hid her smile.

The council had gathered to tell Sesshomaru to get rid of Rin and return her to her own kind, as his mother Inukimi had wished since bringing the human girl back to life.

Sesshomaru knew that his cousin Auria had never seen eye to eye with his mother and could not understand why she would side with the council now. He knew Auria was up to something; his eastern cousin was too kind and gentle for such brutality. Auria was the closest thing he had to a sister and she was the only person he trusted in his life.

Auria sighed sadly before continuing. "Young Rin has lived among our kind too long, she knows nothing of the human customs, if we are going to leave her to the humans we might as well just kill her now. I have a proposition for the council. By demon custom let me adopt her," Inukimi was raging at this suggestion her eyes had turned a slight red and Sesshomaru albeit shocked was definitely considering this. Since the relations between the house of the West and East were so good the other Lords did not see a reason to deny it.

"She is a human Auria, you can not raise one that is not of your kind. Humans are far too fragile, she needs to be with her own kind so she can find a mate and have her own life". Inukimi interjected making it clear that she did not stand for this. Inukimi was not important to the council but having called the intervention in to her son's life she was present to assist if need be.

Sesshomaru looked coolly at his cousin, wanting to hear how she was going to put his mother in her place. He loved these little family spats his mother liked to have with Auria. Auria was the daughter of Sesshomaru's father's sister, so she was not related to Inukimi by blood and thus Inukimi wasn't really important in her eyes.

"My dear Aunt, I value your council but no laws prevent me from adopting Rin". Auria looked at Inukimi smiling as she proceeded to look towards the council.

"The east has many villages of humans as do the other lands and I think we are doing a very good job of governing over the humans in our lands so far. I am sorry Inukimi but I'm not convinced and I truly adore Rin so much I would rather she be my daughter and the Princess of the east, than a commoner in our lands". Sesshomaru could feel the waves of agitation and anger rolling off of his mother and he smirked inwardly. His cousin knew exactly how to get under her skin; he must thank her afterwards for this. "Albeit all this when Rin is of age I will give her the will to make her own choice for the future as I would any of my pups." Auria looked at him, as if asking his consent.

In reality Lord Kai was happy for this to happen, Auria was a wonderful person and would make a very good mother for Rin. Lord of the South was not even interested in why they had all gotten together to banter the Lord of the West, it was stupid. Lord Sesshomaru always did what he pleased and no one was blind enough to not see that he was very fond of his ward.

"I have no objections". Sesshomaru said this and proceeded out of the council room. Now that this was sorted he could sort out everything else with Auria himself.

Auria sighed knowing that today was going to be a long day. Bowing to the council in respect she left to follow her cousin, who by now had transformed into a ball of light and was on his way to the western castle. Auria being the daughter of Amaterasu summoned light to her and in a flash teleported to the gates of the Western castle. The western palace was beautiful and very large with seven floors. A wall made of white marble surrounded the palace and on that wall stood Sesshomaru's elite guard, the front gate was made of black Iron, which was protected by the black serpents slithering on it unnoticed. The castle was divided in to four wings, each wing representing a certain purpose. The west wing contained the living area of the Lord of the West; its balconies looked on to the private garden, baths, hot springs and Sesshomaru's Dojo. The South side was for guests with guest bedrooms, baths, sitting areas, library and outside was a common garden that was open to everyone. The North side was servant quarters, ballroom, kitchen, dining hall and the outside was a courtyard, with cherry blossom trees planted on the boarders. The east was the dungeons, the army barracks, the guardrooms, and torture rooms and outside was the training area. Auria smiled as Master Jaken greeted her at the door and she followed him through to the main sitting area where Sesshomaru would join her when he was ready.

He knew she would have already reached the western palace and he should be there to talk about the arrangement with her. Sesshomaru knew that Auria liked Rin and Rin who didn't take to demonesses so kindly adored Auria. However he could still not understand Auria's motivation behind taking Rin in and especially as her own. This arrangement wasn't just for show, by adopting Rin as her own Auria was giving her a position among demons. With most demons still not accepting humans he did not understand why Auria would put herself in the line of question and scrutiny. He trusted Auria but when it came to Rin, he was not capable of trust; he would not see the young girl hurt. For once in his life he was lost and didn't know what to think of this situation. Auria was his cousin and despite her kindness towards him, she was a powerful demoness. If things turned sour between his cousin and him than between them they would lay waste to the lands. He would have to get back to his palace and speak with her. He would arrange terms that suited him best and he knew that Auria would allow that, after all she was his cousin.

Sesshomaru had arrived she could hear the commotion and had sensed him as soon as he had landed at the gates. She stood to greet Sesshomaru as he entered and took the seat in front of her.

He wore his indifferent mask but behind it she could see that he was conflicted over her actions. She had known him for so long now that at times even she was surprised at her observations of him. She was fiercely loyal to her family and he was a member of her family. She loved him very much and would make sure that his Rin was safe.

"You need not worry for Rin, I will take her in as my own and in doing so let you get back to rebuilding the kingdom. I know you doubt my intentions and I would to but I wish no harm on Rin. I think its time that she was around her own gender, I can be her mother and teach her to be a female. I wish only the best for her and I would die before any harm would befall her". Auria looked him in the eye as she said each word and he could see the green flames in her eyes showing her fierce protectiveness of all that was hers. Sesshomaru nodded to her prepositions.

"You will return her when she is of age and I will find the one suitable to be her mate". His demand was obvious and Auria could not help but smile, he really was very dense at times. Auria was not going to let Sesshomaru make the same mistake that she had, he would learn to love and live with the one he loved.

Auria made her way to Rin's chambers and knocked, the mahogany doors parted to reveal Rin and a handmaiden.

As soon as Rin saw Auria she ran to embrace her and Auria held Rin with tenderness.

"My dear Rin, how are you?" Rin parted from Auria and smiled.

"I am very good Lady Auria, I can't believe you came to visit me; this is a very pleasant surprise". Rin said all that in one breath and Auria smiled at her, Rin was such a pleasant child she never wanted anyone to feel sad and she had just told Auria how pleased she was because she wanted her to repeat this.

"I am glad your happy to see me but I am not sure you will be as happy when I tell you of why I'm here", Auria spoke softly as she guided Rin towards the futon that lay in the middle of the room, urging her to take a seat. Rin did not know what was going on but a very bad feeling was beginning to settle in the pit of her stomach. Auria begin to explain to Rin what had transpired in the council meeting. Rin was close to tears when Auria finished explaining what would be happening now.

"I don't want to leave Lord Sesshomaru", Rin sniffled Auria smiled sadly at her knowing that this could not be helped but also knowing that in time Rin will understand.

"I know sweetheart but there is no choice in this matter"; Auria took Rin into her arms assuring the now sobbing girl. How this little girl revered Sesshomaru and loved him despite his cold exterior Auria could not understand, but one thing she was very sure of Rin would be raised like her own.

Rin was very sad, she knew that one day Lord Sesshomaru would send her away but she always thought that it would be to a human village. Rin knew that Lady Auria was Lord Sesshomaru's cousin and she would never do anything to upset Lord Sesshomaru. But Rin sighed than wondering why it mattered, it was not like her Lord felt anything for her, she was just his ward he kept her around because she had helped him once when he was injured. Rin also knew that Lord Sesshomaru had saved her life enough times to repay that debt. Many times over but by still keeping her around she felt like she meant something to him. Rin continued to pack and mull over why her Lord would send her away with Lady Auria. The Lady had said that the council asked him to but she knew that Lord Sesshomaru did not care for anyone's opinion or permission. Rin, wondered why Lady Auria would take her in, she was mated and would have her own children, why was she so adamant in adopting Rin. It could be because she was human and her life span would be nothing to that of her children, maybe the lady was taking her off Lord Sesshomaru's hand so he would have no problems with the council. Maybe Lord Sesshomaru was going to take a mate and didn't want her being a problem, she was human and not many females could stand Humans. What was she going to do? She owed lord Sesshomaru her life and wouldn't ever want to disobey him but she couldn't go where she wasn't wanted. Rin cried more at her helplessness for having to say goodbye to the place she called home and the people she called family. Wiping away her tears as she noticed the sun close to setting, she had to hurry or she would not be able to say goodbye to her Lord.

After saying her goodbyes to Sesshomaru in his study Rin left with Auria to travel to the east.