End of an era

Chapter 1

Bells and Balls

Kotone's POV

-Flashback-

"Mother…are you alright?" I asked, I was careful to approach her and laid my hand upon her shoulder.

She looked at me briefly and feigned a smile, "Yes my dearest" she assured, patting my hand. "I….I know they they're in a better place…It's just…so very difficult to comprehend." She sat upon the stone bench and I joined her. "I should be old and grey….but I don't look a day past thirty at the very most. Now…I have to bid goodbye to the last of my friends…it hurts just as it did with Keade."

My mother had received news from the village in Edo that Kagome had passed on with old age. Before her it was Miroku…who let himself pass on to be with his wife Sango.

"How will uncle Inuyasha cope?" I asked, my hand upon hers.

"He has decided he will stay with his daughter Mana, his son Kioshi will also be staying with them for a while. They have each other and they know they have us. Still I pity him so greatly, but he has his children and grandchildren…and his great grandchildren." She stood up, the blossoms floated down.

She looked so sad….beautiful…but sad. I came behind and wrapped my arms around her. "Mother…I'm sorry."

She turned and graced me with a gentle smile, "my sweet girl, it's okay….they lived such wonderful and beautiful lives! They have no regrets…they were able to die, because they knew they had lived!"

"I know…it's just…this has me thinking of…Yoshi…and his children….and his children's children! Why can't the world be full of immortals…why can't we all live forever? Mother I'm scarred…I don't want to lose my brother or any other human in our family!"

She then moved the hair from brow. "Kotone…we are immortal, but we have allowed ourselves to care for one of life's fleeting beauties…mortals. We chose this and we must accept the consequences with grace and dignity…we must accept that all good things must pass to make way for other good things. It hurts to lose them yes…but we can sleep easier knowing we loved them with all our hearts and we told them so while we had the chance to. My dear you are to take your father's throne, you must be strong…not emotionless…strong. Death is difficult for you to contemplate because you will live almost forever…not many with demonic lineage will think of death as natural, unless, like us…they are attached to humans. Be at peace my little girl…life is short…but love eternal, the mortals live on through us, through our love for them."

I will remember this….always.

-End of Flashback-

I'm not sure why that memory came into my head all of a sudden…that was two years ago. Still I did remember it…it changed something inside me, made me stronger somehow. I appreciated life so much more for it. Flower and animals, humans both child and adult…they were so much more vibrant to me because I knew that unlike me, they weren't frozen, they would melt in the heat of life and eventually soak away.

It could be somewhat of a morbid subject…but when my mother explained it to me that day…I felt as though it will be okay. Every human in my kin would never be forgotten, they would live forever because I would love them forever.

I looked into the coy pond and gazed at my reflection, I was now Eighteen and unlike my sister I did not have to choose between marriage or the Arrow maids as I had to take my parents place upon the throne. One thing they were concerned with was me having and heir…I was still expected to marry, only it was to be of my own choosing….well by this I mean that they picked a few worthy and I get to choose out of them.

Tonight was my ball…Kasumi had one when she turned eighteen, apparently that did not proceed too well, but then again….what is a party without at least one kidnapping?

I was deep in thought as I sat by the coy pond, Abyss at my side and I stroked his dark fur. "Abyss" I sighed, "the only good thing about tonight…was that I get to see all my family again…my brothers and sister…even some of my nieces and nephews if they could make it."

The sun was so warm and nice, I laid my head upon my wolf and snuggled in close…my eyes closed, just on the cusp of sleep.

"YO Kotone!" called Kei as he suddenly appeared before my swifter than a hurricane. He was twenty years old now….tall, about six foot and four inches. He was tanned, lean but muscular. He still insisted on wearing his minimal firs, despite the finery my family had offered him. Stable was formed on his strong angular features and his black hair met his broad shoulders. Kei was so ruggedly handsome, the servant girls squealed when they saw him.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "What is it Kei? I was deep in thought."

"Your mother wants ou to get ready for that ball thing tonight." He informed.

I sighed, he noticed my reluctance and sat by my side, "What's up your nose?" he asked, he was sitting close, if I moved my arms they would lightly brush against his.

"I told you…I'm just deep in thought, I'm thinking"

"About?"

"Death"

"Oh…"

A moment of silence passed between us, Kei sharply turned to me, "What the hell are you thinking about dying for?" he asked, his voice deep and gravelly.

"Not my death" I responded, "Just about death in general."

Another silence passed till he nudged me, "hey lighten up now! Don't you know it's bad luck to talk of death on the day of your birth?"

I frowned, "Really? Is that true Kie?"

He shrugged, "Hell if I know…just go with okay, today…you become a woman, today is about you. Now go get ready for the ball."

I smiled and nodded, I moved towards my chambers but paused a moment to address him again "Speaking of the ball…you are to be my escort." I informed him, it was a bold move.

Kei looked so very uncertain, and for a moment I wanted to take it back.

"Is this an order from your mother and father?" he inquired.

I had to stand my ground, "No it is an order from me"

Suddenly a huge grin swept across his face, "I get it, I know what you're up to!"

"You do?"

He nodded, "You wanna put off the whole marriage thing so if you walk in with a stud like me it'll intimidate those idiots! Good thinking, sure I'll help you out, buddy."

Buddy? That cut into me…buddy, I wanted to punch him in the gut! I can't believe I've been friend zoned by a beast who used to live in a damn cave.

"How very kind of you" I was unsuccessful in keeping the sarcasm from my tone. "Just make sure you're on time…and please wear something more formal."

"What I'm wearing is fine!" he insisted, he could be so childish!

"No its not!" I argued, "You're wearing fur and very little of it! I want you to bathe and dress properly for the occasion! This means a lot to me Kie so just do it okay!"

"No!"

"You're impossible!"

"No, getting me in your fancy clothes is what's impossible! If you want me to take you, you'll have to let me dress as I want."

I glowered at him, he knew this was important to me…however I wanted no other to escort me so I relented, "Very well you stubborn beast! Just be on time at least! Abyss, come one boy"

My black wolf followed shortly after me, "At least I can always depend on you" I cooed and patted his head. I felt Kei's green eyes upon me as I walked away.

Rin's POV

"Kotone you'll look beautiful in this!" I said with so much enthusiasm as Yuna and Sun held up the beautiful silk Kimono made just for her. It was a deep sunset orange with maroon swirling pattern edged with a beautiful golden trim, she would look she was wearing the sky at sunset.

My little eighteen year old smiled as she sat upon her stool while Airi and Takara cleaned her nails and Kasumi was contemplating how she would wear her hair.

"I have an idea for your hair!" Sun cheered as she stood next to Kasumi and joined in touching the black silk of Kotone's head. "Your name is musical…you are the mistress of music…you should have bells in your hair! Also around your wrists and ankles!"

The others squealed girlishly and clapped their hands. I took a moment to observe all of them. I loved them all as daughters and they were all so beautiful! They each had certain qualities that if I were to merge them all together they would create the perfect woman. There was Airi, forty-seven years of age but her eyes still had that sparkle of youth and her smile was able to light up an entire room, she was innocence and kindness. Yuna, she was a mystical beauty, something from a fairy-tale, she was like a spring cloud, so pale and delicate, she was mystery and magic. Sun…little ray of light, her beauty burned as bright as the true sun above us, she had once dwelled in such a dark place, but she was always able to see the brighter things. Sun was optimism and courage. Then came Takara, mistress of the clouds…her heavenly face beheld such knowledge, she was intelligence and wisdom. Then Kasumi…my moonlit princess, she was as changing as the wind itself, it could be as gentle as a caress and then a force to be reckoned with. Kasumi was integrity and wit.

Then finally…my youngest, Kotone. She was so strong and brave, she was the one who looked the most like me, however Sesshomaru's features were also blatant. My little girl, she would fit the throne well, she was refined with a hidden wildness. Kotone…she is passion and determination.

All six of them giggled together like sisters as they prepared Kotone. They teased and jested with each other.

"You know, Kenta is quite jealous" Yuna mentioned, "He wanted to escort Kotone to the ball as he did with Kasumi."

"Yoshi was very much the same." Airi joined.

"Me and Takara had the same conversation with our husbands!" Sun put it, Takara giggled at the memory.

"How do you think I feel?" Kasumi put in as she placed a tiny golden bell in Kotone's hair. "Being her sister I can't escort her or get to dance with her as each of my brothers do."

Kotone took Kasumi's hand "you and I will dance together tonight, all of us will, my sisters are just as important to me as my brothers!" she insisted, the other cooed and hugged her.

I realised I hadn't spoken; I was too lost in my observation. "She had a wide choice of escorts" I said, "yet she chose Kei…interesting don't you think."

Kotone blushed and her the other five females all concurred and giggled.

"That's right she did! Kotone, why him of all men?" Yuna asked with a huge beam on her face.

"Why not him?" Airi said, "he's very handsome….Were I good twenty-two years younger, and had never met my Yoshi, I would be quite taken with him."

We laughed and Kotone playfully slapped the back of Airi's hand playfully for the comment.

Sun was the next to speak, "He is a very impressive specimen, a little rough around the edges but still, not one to sneer at."

"Okay we have to promise this conversation never leaves this room!" Kasumi declared, "I truly fear for Kei's life if our husbands should find out the way in which we spoke of him."

"Agreed" the rest of simultaneously.

Kotone continued, "Besides, our little sister will be with a much more refined and dignified co-ruler. I don't see Kei in her future."

Takara let out a laugh and we all looked at her confused at her. She had a knowing smile on her face "Sorry, I just remembered something funny, please ignore me." She then went back to tying the bells around Kotone's ankle. Takara knew something, I would deffinatly be pulling her aside later.

When Kotone was ready the other girls were told to leave the two of us alone while we awaited her escort.

I began to tear up at the sight of her, it felt like only yesterday that I was teaching her to walk and say "mama". Now she stood before me, a woman…still my baby forever and always. She stood out from her silver haired siblings, just like her brother Yoshi. Her hair was a long silk curtain of ebony that fell past her tiny waist and just below her smooth round hips. Her eyes were gold…though a hazel ring circled the deep black pupils. Her lips were bronze like mine though tonight I painted them orange.

"Mother…please stop, you'll make me cry" Kotone uttered.

I took her hands, "My sweet girl, I need to speak with you about Kei."

I saw her eyes widen briefly, she quickly I sat her down beside me and didn't release her hand once. "Listen Kotone, Wolf demons and dog demons…they've never seen eye to eye…the fact that your father allowed one as your bodyguard is a miracle in its self. Once you are married….you understand that you can never see Kei again, the role of protector will fall to your husband."

Kotone snatched her hands from me, the small golden bells she was decorated with tinkled gently.

"There will always be a place for Kei! I'll always find one! He's my friend. He may annoy me, he may make me want to pull my hair out and eat it…but I can't imagine life without him! You say wolves and dogs do not mix, but we are both canine? Also humans and demons…it is supposed to impossible for the two to co-exist and yet this family is living proof that they can!"

She was getting upset and I had to calm her, "Kotone, you must understand, you are the heir to this incredible empire, soon it will be all yours! More than that you will be the first demonic queen, you are under a lot of pressure, you need to wed someone more suitable for the throne!"

She scowled at me "So…he must be compatible with the empire and not myself, I am share my kingdom, my bed, my life and all with a male I will look with as much affection as I do a complete stranger? You would honestly condemn me to such a life when you have allowed your other five children to wed who they love. Kasumi's husband, Sora, he was our enemy at first, Airi was a simple village girl…and you! You mother were a human girl…Father a demon lord and now you are one soul in two bodies! yet you will not allow me to seek my own diamond in the rough?"

Kotone was making perfect sense, but my Lord Sesshomaru's decisions was final.

"We shan't speak of this anymore tonight…but I will ask you this, where is Kei now?"

She huffed, "He's late, he's always late but he'll be here!" she insisted.

"And will he be dressed and bathed for the occasion?"

Kontone stumbled for an answer, "I don't care what he wears so long as he shows up to take me!"

"Which so far he hasn't" I pointed out "surely you want someone who'll be there for you when need. Kotone…I don't think he feels the same way about you as you do for him, I'm sorry", Kotone grunted with annoyance.

"Mother he is always there for me exactly when I need him! He never shows up when expected he shows up just when I need him! Anyway this very conversation is moot! I see Kei as my friend and guardian; I have no wish to marry Kei. I feel for him exactly as I should, I care for him in the way I should!"

If only I could believe that, "I should not have brought this up now" I sighed, "Just enjoy yourself tonight. But it would seem Kei is not going to show up, let me get one of your brothers, or better yet all of them."

"No need…the stud is here!" Kei cheered zipping into the room, I'm not sure how much he heard, but by the oblivious grin on his face it could only have been the last part. He was to my surprise smartly dressed in the formal armour my sons wore. It was the mark of both a warrior and a gentlemen. He did however keep hiss fur trimmed cloak.

Their eyes glittered when they saw each other, "Wow K….you look…well, I guess you know how you look." Kei stuttered nervously, he was never one to get nervous…this only added to my fears.

Kotone smirked, "and you…you bathed…and you're fully clothed"

He shrugged, "yeah…well, I knew it was important to ya…so…"

Kotone walked forward and smiled up at him, her expression then changed and she punched him in the shoulder. "But you're still late! I told you to be on time!"

"Hey! I'm walking around in a metal shell for you! You can forgive me for being five minutes late!" he argued back.

"Come on! Let's just go!" she grabbed his hand and they stormed off. Her bells jingled angrily.

"Hold on it's hard to walk in this damn thing!" was the last thing I heard leave Kei's mouth.

I sat back down and sighed heavily. I felt the presence of my other half, immediately I looked up to see my Lord standing there. I rushed into his arms.

"Our youngest is in terrible danger my Lord" I whispered, I felt him tense up. "Her heart may get broken…We need to make sure she meets someone tonight, she needs to forger Kei."

Sesshomaru nodded, "I could easily dispose of the flea bitten wolf" he uttered.

I rolled my eyes at him, "My love you can't kill him"

I took his hand and we made our way the festivity.

"My lady, I'll think you'll find I can…I just simply won't," he shot back.

"Yes my Lord…we are all aware of how great and powerful you are." His ego was a huge as great as his power. He was loved, feared and respected.

Kei's POV

They were all looking at me, all wondering why a lowly wolf like me was escorting the beautiful princess Kotone. I felt like a fool in this thing, I wanted the comfort of my furs and pelts, I didn't feel like me. Yet it was worth it to see the look on Kotone's face.

I took her to the centre, it began with the dance with her brother Kenta, it was to go up by age till she reached her father.

The bells in her hair, wrists and ankles jingled as she moved…dare I say that Kotone may be the most beautiful thing…I have ever seen. Wait hold on now! I can't look at her that way…I'm not allowed to.

"I have no wish to marry Kei" that was what she said; I heard most of the conversation. I knew I wasn't good enough for her; I would never even try to be. I don't know why, but when I was eaves dropping, every word she said hit me like heavy rain and it was though I was drenched in misery. Was it because my ego was damn huge that when I discovered she didn't want me it bruised said ego? Or worse, did I harbour affection for Kotone? Nah! It had to be the first option, I refuse the second. Still, she was very lucky….there were so many in her life that loved her. So many men that would kill for her. I had heard tales of the great demon lord Sesshomaru, it was strange to see him as a parent. When he danced with his daughter it was clear to see…the only people he would yield to are his wife and children. I could never be good enough for any daughter of his.

"Hello there my handsome one" spoke a demoness, she was a lovely looking thing fresh into womanhood.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes, women always hit on me at these things. Still, I had nothing better to do and apparently I wasn't marriage material so why not. I grinned and sipped at my drink.

"Hey beautiful, you look a tasty little treat, may need to take a bite" I towered over her.

She blushed and giggled, why did they always giggle like that? "Is it true that wolves mate for life?" she asked twirling her hair.

I shrugged and nodded, "It is indeed, but we're very picky about our women, you think you have what it takes?"

Again she giggled, Kotone, she would have had some witty comeback…wait why are you thinking about her right now? Stop it! Truth was there was no way I would take this demoness for my woman, I don't think I could ever find one; Kotone had set my standards too damn high.

Takara suddenly appeared ,"You" she addressed the flirty demoness, "Shoo, be gone."

The demoness knew who Takara was and respectfully bowed before doing as told. She then folded her arms and raised her eyebrows at me.

"You are on duty tonight young wolf, keep your eyes on things that matter more," she gestured to Kotone. "not just this empire or this family, but things that matter most to your heart."

"Takara!" Katashi snapped appearing beside her, "what are you saying to him my meddling wife?"

She smiled innocently and shrugged her shoulders. "Nothing my silver storm, just making casual conversation."

He did not look too convinced as his wife took his arms and guided them away.

What the hell! Do they know something I don't?

I looked up to Kotone now, she was being introduced to some Lord….he was good looking, if you like the neat and clean type. Her family, there was no doubting their love for her, they would do anything for her. However it was clear that they didn't understand her. I did, better than anyone. She was proud and dignified, on the surface a good and proper princess, but beneath that was a wild child wanting to break free. She could be the most fantastic ruler, if they just let her do it on her terms. Kotone never liked being told what to do and I know she wanted to rule the western lands, but she wanted to rule her own way.

She was feigning a smile, I know what her real smile looked like I was the one who put it on her face most of the time, this young lord she was being introduced to was not doing it for her.

"Kei…want some sake?" Lord Katsu asked.

"Sure, why not" I responded, Katsu was always my favourite brother of hers, Yoshi being a close second.

Kastu grinned, "Great, could you grab me one too oh and one for Sun, thanks" he patted my back.

Jerk! I tore my eyes off Kotone and what she was doing to fetch his royal highness and his mate a drink.

Kotone's POV

Who was that woman Kei was speaking to? Why did have to attract so much attention? This was my day; couldn't he pay a little more attention?

"Kotone" my father called breaking into my thoughts "Lord Taro asked you a question."

I shook my head and placed a smile on my face. Lord Taro was a dog demon from the south kingdoms, a particular favourite of my parents. My children were to be heirs to this kingdom…so I needed a partner worthy of such a responsibility. So much pressure!"

"Forgive my good Lord, how rude of me…I was just so taken in by my surroundings, it is overwhelming to have so many people here to honour me." I said, it was partly true, I was very grateful to all who came. Even Lord Inuyasha and my cousins graced us with their presence.

Lord Taro bowed his head. He was very handsome, his hair was indigo and his eyes matched, he bore the same markings as my father. As attractive as he was I found him too serious, I wondered how long it was since his mouth had curved into smile.

"You have been blessed dear Lady, you are forgiven" he replied.

My mother came to us, "My Lord Sesshomaru," she spoke "Our grandson, Rinmaru calls for us, let's leave these two to speak."

I watched them walk away, resisting the urge to call them back to me.

"You have a lot of family" Taro commented.

"Yes my Lord I do…I have, as you previously said, been very blessed."

"Who has given Sesshomaru the most grandchildren?" He asked.

I nearly choked, what kind of question is that? "that would be my brother Yoshi and his wife Airi, they have four. Still grandchildren is certainly something that my parents aren't lacking in. Takara only two years ago gave birth to her third, my brother Katsu and his wife Sun have three as of three years ago when she gave birth to their daughter Ruby, named so for her red hair. Then there is Kenta's two girls and son, then lastly my nephew Shinobu, son of Sora. Most of my nephews are soldiers now, Shinobu will be highly ranked in my army once I have claimed my throne."

Taro frowned "The lady Kasumi only gave one grandchild? That is a bit of a disappointment to you all I'm sure, especially the great Lord Sesshomaru."

I almost flinched; I wanted to strike him across the face! "To the contrary" I tried to keep the anger from my tone, "we are all very proud of each child we are blessed with, my father especially. I would also have you know that Shinobu is worth twenty sons."

He didn't not seemed moved by my words at all, "well, be sure to tell your father that once you and I have wed, I will bless him with ten grandsons, at the very least."

I stifled a laugh, "my Lord Taro, I believe you are being a tad presumptuous,"

"Not at all," he countered, "I already have the consent of both your parents, they said all I need to now is ask you."

If that is true then they clearly did not know who he truly was, if my father could hear the way he spoke…he'd rip out his tongue!

"Ask away Lord Taro" I insisted, "But I fear you will not like my answer."

He stood closer than I would have liked and uttered into my ear as though it were our secret. "I think I will…see there is rumour circulating that you have distastefully liking of wolves, well…one wolf in particular."

Kei….he was talking about Kei! My eyes now searched the room for my bodyguard but he was nowhere in sight.

Taro continued, "Well, listen good. There will other suitors, they will all want the both the wolf Kei and Abyss discarded of. Share your throne with me…I'll let you keep them both."

He had me speechless…I could keep them both…I wanted Kei and Abyss in my life no matter what; truth was I would do anything to make that happen.

But then I remembered who I was…who I came from and I would not allow him to speak to me in such a way, I moved away from him and glared.

"I am the heir of the western Lands, I am to be a queen in my own right! I don't need to marry if I do not wish to. You should speak to me with more respect. I am not a little girl who needs to stand behind the protection of my father and brothers; I have great power and strength of my own. Goodbye now Lord Taro, I am done with this conversation. Good luck finding the mother of your ten sons."

I walked away, not stormed but held a grace and held my head up high. Kasumi came beside me and discretely lead me towards the terrace.

"Kasumi, Lord Taro…He-"

"I know" she interrupted, we were now under the night sky "Sister I heard every vile word he said but please listen" she sat us down, "You have to be smart about this….You need heirs, you need to continue our line. Father built this himself and you can't let it fall to ruin. Kotone I understand how angry this makes you, but you have a responsibility greater than any of his other children. The reason I believe you should choose Taro…is because you will get to keep Abyss and most Importantly Kei."

I averted my gaze and she placed her arm around me as she continued. "I have known for a while now…how deeply you care for him. Don't try to deny it…you look at him the same way I look at Sora and the same way mother does father. I want nothing more than you're happiness baby sister, but you could never marry Kei. However, I don't want you to face the pain of losing him completely, so I would think about Taro's offer…please."

All I did was nod and she sensed I wanted to be alone.

"By the way, he is lucky I was the one who heard…if it were father or one of our brothers, he'd be dead" When she was gone I did not release a tear because I was better than that, I would not cry over this…I would not allow anyone that satisfaction.

My family, they love and I them…but they don't understand! I have been so sheltered and they look on me as a child because I am the youngest, I want them to see me for the capable woman I really am! However I still had this childish yearning to snuggle into Abyss's fur for comfort, I wish they had allowed him to come here tonight.

A breeze touched me and I shivered, next thing I know I am being covered by a thick fur lined cloak. I look up and Kei is standing there, his black hair full of pale moonlight, I was so happy to see him, I almost wanted to cry!

"Kei…" I breathed.

"I got something that'll cheer you up" he grinned with full confidence, he whistled and Abyss came padding along.

I smiled all my sadness went away and I welcomed my companion into my arms. "Abyss! Oh it is good to see you boy!"

I felt Kei sit close beside me, "Ya kinds looked as though you were having a rough time there, I figured seeing softy here would cheer ya up."

I did feel so much better; they both knew me and understood me. They made everything seem so simple, I leaned on Kei and rested my head on his shoulder.

"Thank you Kei" I uttered.

"No worries, that what friends are for."

There was that word again, friends, he can be so dense. However I had to just let it go.

"What's wrong?" He asked, "What happened?"

I sighed, "I think….I think I'm getting engaged tonight…to Taro." Just so I could keep you and Abyss, even if I'm unhappy for the rest of my life.

Kei scoffed with disgust, "that jackass? You're worth so much more K, besides there's no way a stuffy, uptight prick like that could ever cope with you! You need someone much more stronger, someone as strong as you!"

He was saying all the things I wanted him to, "What can I do Kei? I need heirs, I need heirs…I need a king by my side."

Kei scowled, "Who says? That's a load'a crap K! You know as well as I do…you are more than capable of ruling by yourself. If they let you do it your way you could make this empire greater than it is! Talk to your parents, they love you so much, they have never refused you anything….talk to them! Make'em see!"

I was getting so emotional, "I tried! It always comes out wrong and I just end up looking like a spoilt child! But they are right, eventually I'll need heirs and the husband I eventually choose my make me get rid of you and Abyss! Taro promises he won't let that happen and I get to keep you both!"

There was a long silence…

His eyes were wide,"That's why you're gonna choose him? For me and Abyss? Kotone…I won't let you do that for me…I'm still your guardian, I not only protect your body but the heart it carries inside…there has to be another way!"

I shrugged and shook my head, "If there is I cannot think of it"

Kei took my hands, "Lets runaway! Me, you and Abyss….let's just go, we'll go back to my tribe, my dad, chief Koga and my mom, Ayame…they'll protect us, I'll make them welcome you!"

I was starting to tear up, is he really saying all this? " You would do that?" I breathed, "runaway with me? You would face the wrath of Sesshomaru…just to make me happy?"

The fact that he spoke of returning to the tribe…they had disowned him, to grovel back to them would wound Kei's pride…yet he would do that…for me.

He smiled and took me by the shoulders, "You know I would stupid, like I said…that's what friends are for. You can meet a nice wolf demon, settle down…live a simple life with him. I'll meet someone too, we'll each have kids with these mates of ours and maybe they'll join too and you and I'll be family through them!"

He just completely ruined it! Talking of setting me up with a wolf demon in a cave! Why was he so stupid? Why couldn't he see just how much this was hurting me? He was like tomorrow and I the present day…he was always so close and yet so far…he was just out of my reach, always a single day away. I was suddenly so frustrated and angry with him, I wanted to pound some sense into that thick skull of his!

"No" I replied shortly, "that isn't what I want, I want to be the ruler of the western lands, I just want to do it my way! But that life you've planned there, go live it! Go to your filthy caves, marry your little wolf girl and have lots of pups! There I don't have to marry Taro, because I no longer care what happens to you!"

I began to storm off, he grabbed my arm. "Hey! Don't speak to me like that and don't say such lies to me! I know you don't mean that…what the hell did I say wrong now?"

I gritted my teeth, I could not control myself, I just started hitting him, the bells I wore were rattling manically. "You're so clueless!" I yelled at him as I hit him and he tried to hold my arms down. "So stupid! You're such and idiot Kei!" tears were coursing freely down my face.

I had never seen him so bewildered, I never acted so undignified before. "K…K calm down!" he pleaded to me, "whatever I said, whatever I did, I'm sorry!"

My body felt so weak, I was overcome with fatigue, my skin began to visibly crawl.

"Kotone? Kotone what's happening? Are you okay?" he asked in a panic.

I collapsed into his arms, everything felt so weak, my every limb ached. Kei had an unfamiliar look of fear in his eyes. He looked at me as though I were a stranger, an imposter, as though I wasn't real.

I caught a glimpse of my hair…it was dark grey and had lost its shine, when I reached up to Kei…my hand was wrinkled….I was old.

"Kei!" I heard my father's voice boom, "Why do you hold that old woman? Where Kotone? Where is my daughter?"

Father sounded like he was ready to kill Kei, "No…" was all I could manage, it came out like a croak, as though throat had dust in it.

"this is her!" Kei insisted, "this is Kotone!"

"Give her to me!" I heard my father demand and within a blink of an eye he was carrying me, the way he did when I was very little and would fall asleep on his lap as he sat on his throne.

"F-father…" I wheezed.

"Don't speak daughter!" he commanded, "your father is here…I will fix this!"

Heya, this will get better I promise this is my last one of my Rin/Sess trilogy thing, I hope you like it and Chapter 2 will be with you shortly.