He ran happily through the hallways of the enourmous castle-like mansion his family resided in. His life wasn't as hard as what would be expected, given his situation. His father ruled the Western lands, and his mother was but a human, which made him a half demon, a hanyou, and made him as his mother nothing but hunting toys for the full blooded demons roaming the lands. He grew up away from that, only hearing the occasional "Half breed!" thrown in his direction by idiotic mouths. His father would destory them soon afterwards, so by the time he reached 14 no demon in their right mind would care to insult him within hearing range of either demon, and given their extremely heightened dog demon senses, that left little area for them to speak freely. And no one was interested in moving from their homes close to his castle, and thus under his protection, to insult his family.

His silver stained hair and dog ears glistened as the light poured through the windows, and illuminated his mother, who sat happily, enjoying her view of the gardens, planted specifically for her.

"Mama! I found a girl outside and we played all sorts of games! She even beat me once! A human girl! Can you imagine?"

She laughed happily, smiling at her only son.

"What games did you play Inu-chan?"

"Aww, Mama, don't call me that! I'm not a little whelp anymore."

"Really? I'd never have guessed! You still act like a little pup."

He gave a snort, but remembered the girl.

"We played chase, and find it, and that game Aunt brought over last week!"

"Did you play fair?"

"As fair as possible!"

"You didn't go easy on her right?"

"Well, I might have moved a bit slower at chase, but I didn't think it'd be fair if I didn't."

"Then I'd like to meet this girl. What is her name?"

He blushed, quite a contrast to his pale skin.

"I kinda forgot to ask! She lives at the shrine though!"

"My Lady," a servant interrupted, "Milord wishes to see you."

"Very well Jaken. Wait here Inu-chan."

She rose gracefully, gliding over to her husband's chambers, as if she was walking on air. His rooms were not far from her own day rooms, and she was there within minutes.

"You called for me?" she asked, a quiet manner taking over her.

"He's made a human friend has he?"

"It appears so, yes."

"Does he like her?"

"It's really too early to tell. Besides, you should know better than anyone it's hard to tell at this point in a boy's life."

He grunted, and pulled her closer to him, not speaking a word. Even through the years they had been together, he had only softened up enough to be a good husband and father, and while he had his moments, he was still the demon she had met long ago. She wouldn't have it any other way really.

And he held her as they watched the sunset, both wondering what the future would hold for their son.