Authors note: I have yet to post the last chapter, but it's done I just have to edit it… not that that really applies now because… by the time this is up the second chapter will be posted. Anywho.. I am having surgery in two days it's two in the morning and I can't sleep… so I will start on the next chapter.. In case it weren't clear… I do not own. Onward my ducklings. (That was when I first started writing this chapter) I am now prepareing to finish this chapter. Thank you very much for those that have stuck with me. The updates will continue to be infrequent, but I'm writing some each night. Enjoy my ducklings.

Authors note: (yes another) I am sorry for the long long length of time…. My computer was broken and I was unable to even try to write anymore until I was able to get if fixed so I've been without a computer for a long time… I am excited to get back to this story (as well as my many other ones) again onward my ducklings.

"Sesshomaru." I pay no mind to Naruku's voice. "It must be difficult for the men in your family to have so many complications with human women." His words piss me off.

"If memory serves, you were created from a man so enamored by a human girl that you relinquished your very soul." He scowls. Maybe he would attack me, but he knows it will only succeed in getting him injured. "It is as I told Lady Izoyoi. Inu males always go after strong women. My mother is very strong. A most terrifying bitch on a rampage, but strong nonetheless. Lady Izoyoi did not look it, and granted she grew tame after Inuyasha was born, but she too was terrifying. I did not make it a habit to cross her. Kikyo. That woman's strength cannot be denied. Kagome. She has had no training in combat with her bow or her priestess powers and yet she has bested many demons. And Midoriko. Although nearly always in a kind and gentle mood, was fearless. I never surpassed her in strength. Even now. She's been dead for so long, but her blessing on me still lingers." I can't stop the crazed smile. "If Mido-chan were still alive, she would barge in here and rescue me as if I were a damsel in distress. She was always peculiar like that."

"You are being quite talkative for such a stoic lord."

"It's because the jewel is nearly complete and because it's so near. The jewel of four souls is connected to midoriko, and I am connected to her."

I do not like when father comes back. He does it rarely, but still each time is worse. I hate the way he looks at me. And I hate the way I look at him. But it is trivial.

"My son. You have grown so much bigger." Yes that happens when you go months without returning home. Nonetheless I bow politely.

"Father."

"I trust you have been well and growing stronger."

"Hn. I must now be going father, I have important matters to tend to."

"What could be more important than seeing your old man." Bashing my head into a wall and then paying someone to slit my thought. "I don't suppose this is about your lady friend." He's smirking at me. I know he can smell her scent all over me.

"That is of no concern to you father."

"Perhaps not. But I can't help but noticing, her scent is anything but virginal. And that particular scent has left you many years ago. For the sake of the western lands, I do ask that you refrain from pupping her until you are of the age to mate her."

"I have not had sex with her. Nor have I expressed any level of fondness with her. She is merely a companion."

"If that's the case you had best avoid her entirely. She must no doubt be a harlot." I bite my lip until I taste blood.

"I must be going." I try to step away, but he grabs my arm.

"Your brother will be born soon."

"His birth is of no importance to me. I no more consider him my brother than I consider you my father." I vaguely see rage enter his eyes. I don't care. Anything he does will be worth nothing compared to mother's anger. A fist slams into my left cheek. I don't bother blocking. What's the point. He's stronger than me.

A kick goes into my ribs and I half wonder if any bones broke. I feel nothing. I block out the pain as I've done my entire life. I will not beg for mercy. I will not scream. I will not apologize. His hands grab onto my hair and hold me at eye level. I'm several feet off the ground. His face is contorting from rage.

"You will not disrespect me with such words." I weigh the pros and cons. There are more cons than pros. I should keep my mouth shut until his rage subsides.

"Perhaps you will do a better job raising your other son." Another fist connects. "Or maybe you will grow tired of that family as well." I'm slammed against a wall. I feel blood oozing out of an injury. I wish he would kill me. No. I need to stay alive for now.

"Father. I desire the tensaiga." His rage lessens.

"What makes you desire the sword of healing. Do you have someone to protect." Yes. I do. But I can't say that. To admit what you have to lose is an invitation for harm to come.

"I have no one to protect."

"The tensaiga is immensely powerful. In it's own right. But it is not a sword of conquering. And for one that has no desire to protect another life, the sword is useless. So I ask again. Have you someone to protect. Perhaps that human female."

"Her name is Midoriko. And as I've stated. I hold no fondness for her."

"Meyoga, what do you know of this Midoriko?" I detest that flea.

"Well sire, she has been living in the palace for a long period of time. She and the young lord have been nearly inseparable. I must say, as far as human females go she is exceptional in her unique beauty. And she takes the young lords moods in stride with no fear. Her strength is superior in the young lords in nearly every way."

"A girl after my own heart. I would like to meet this friend of yours."

"No. I must be going father."

"Guard. Bring the girl Midoriko to me." They leave and I bite my lip. Remain calm. "You can still leave if you desire, but who knows what things I might say." Of course I don't leave. I will not let father be alone with Mido-chan. She's brought in, and I can see the way father is looking at her. Observing her. For a moment, I do the same.

She has grown much since we first became friends. She's grown into curves and feminine features. Her lashes are long. Dark hair sways confidently. No. She's not a child. Like me, life didn't allow her a childhood. No she isn't a child. He looks at her as a man would a woman, and it pisses me off. She bows lowly to him but goes to my side the moment she rises. It's not an act of fear. She does not seak protection. No. I can see the look in her eyes. She's observing me. Checking the cuts, looking for more serious injuries. Irritation is in her eyes.

"Young lady, your beauty is exquisite." He closes his eyes and smiles slightly.

"Thank you my lord." Her face is pulled into a tight false smile.

"Tell me, what is your connect to my son."

"We are simply friends. Nothing else to tell my Lord."

"If you are only friends with my son, then why do you reek of sex and shame. This scent is so mingled into your very core."

"Sir, if you will hear me out for just a moment. What I do is none of your fucking business." I restrain the laughter. He isn't cross though. No. He wouldn't be. A feisty woman unafraid to speak her mind is right up his alley. That pisses me off.

"You have a lot of will."

"Life has taught me that you either stand up or you will continuously be knocked down."

"Is it life that has taken away your chastity?" She falters for a moment. I open my mouth to speak when Mido laughs.

"I suppose a human can not hope to fool an Inu's nose. And you seem determined to know." She looks at me and smiles. "But I'd rather leave my past where it belongs." He nods for a moment.

"I am also curious of your presence here. I have never known my mate to be tolerate of humans. Can you tell me why she allows you in such proximity to the heir." Not her son. Not our child. No the heir. The only role I play.

"Oh that. It would seem that I was making a nuisance in your lands. Since I was six years of age, I have been purifying demons that wished to do harm. I have strengthen my barriers, and on some small level, I can influence the decisions some make. She searched me out and asked for my assistance with several matters. In exchange, I was allowed to stay here. You might have noticed the barrier around your estate. That is my doing. I can emit a barrier that allows only certain people into it, I can change the form of it. I can use my barriers for defense or offence, and each year they grow even stronger."

"Do not be offended that I'm skeptical of that. Such a young human girl erecting a barrier strong enough to keep all the other lords out. I do not see your power being that great." Mido is laughing. Her challenging laugh.

"My lord, if you will pardon my boldness. You are the strongest on these lands. Correct?"

"Yes. On my lands there are none stronger than me."

"In strength. But I wager that I can emit a barrier so strong that even my lord with his emense strength can not break through." Father's eyes narrow. He's been challenged.

"What do you wager?"

"What do you desire." Father smirks.

"Your past. All the details. It will not do well if the heir is locked to a harlot." I bite my tongue to keep from losing my temper.

"That is hardly something to bet over. I keep my past away from my future, but if it will put your mind at ease. All of the information is yours."

"That's enough. It is not any of his business Mido-chan." She smiles at me sweetly.

"No need to worry Sesshy, I'm not really concerned. It's all in the past."

"I don't care. Father. Leave her alone. She's done nothing wrong. And I will not allow you to talk to her in such a way." My eyes flash red for an instant; it's not intentional. Father laughs.

"Always so serious, no doubt a trait you inherited from your mother." Mother is cruel and controlling and abusive and dangerous to be around, but even so.

"Mother is the one who raised me after all. She ruled the west predominantly on her own while her mate betrayed her." His eyes are angry. It's not a good idea to call him out on his actions. He's use to doing as he pleases. And maybe I should keep my mouth shut, but I can't. His energy is flickering and that flea jumps away. He lands on my shoulder.

"Young lord. Upsetting the great dog demon is not advised. As the retainer to this family, I must advise that…"

"I don't care. I neither need nor want your advice. I am more than capable of taking care of myself and making my own decisions." I watch as father clinches his fist. I know what I'm doing. I'm being defiant to my alpha. That's punishable. And I accept that. I don't close my eyes. But the pain never comes. Why is he not striking me. Mido. Her normally sharp eyes have taken a dull tint.

"You will not strike him in my presence." A soulless smile.

"You are protecting a demon."

"I am protecting my closest friend. I understand the need for dominance in a demon pact, but I have chosen long ago that I will not leave his side. No matter the consequences. This path may lead me pain and death, but I will not detour and I will not falter."

Father turns to me.

"For a male to allow a female to protect him brings great shame."

"I feel no shame entrusting my life to her. She has proven herself both as a friend and a fighter, therefore, I see her as an equal." Father smirks.

"Is she the reason you desire the sword of healing."

"No. She isn't." Father falters for a moment. He's sniffing the air. I do the same. Shit.

"I'm the reason." Mia walks in with Kochi following closely.

"Kochi. As soon as this is over, I'm going to kill you. I'll first start with skinning you alive and then I'll hang you with your own hair."

"Stop sweet talking me, I tried to convince her not to. You know how she is when she makes up her mind."

"Mia. What are you doing."

"Big brother, I'm tired."

"Brother?" Mia nods at father. Shit.

"Mido, put down the barrier now." It vanishes in an instant and I snatch my dear sister up.

"Big brother, it's okay. It's okay." Her words do nothing to calm me.

"I do not want to hear it Mia."

"She is my daughter." He utters. I don't hesitate from growling.

"Father Mia is my child. I'm her mother. Father. Brother. Friend. Her entire life. I've raised her. While you went on escapades and mother sunk farther into her anger. I raised her." Mia already knows the story. I never told her. But whispers here. And rumors there. She knows enough. "I made a promise with mother that we would never allow you to know of Mia's existence. Mother cares nothing for her. Mother would assume her dead. Everyday she grows weaker, and everyday I'm drowning just trying to slow her death. Trying to buy her even a minutes time is worth the scars that I must pay as compensation." Mia's crying. And I wish I could console her. But I can't. "You know of nothing. You participated in her conception, but she is no more your child than I am. I raised her." Mia is quiet. Sad. Now's not the time to take her emotions into account. "Mia is weak. Everyday she shrinks further into her self. I can see it. I can smell it. And you can to. She's dying, and I doubt even the 'great dog demon' or his sword of healing can do anything now." Silent tears are falling down her face. " I'm left drowning trying to make up for your crimes. And then you have the audacity to call me your child and now you have the audacity to believe that Mia is yours as well. No."

"Big brother." Her voice cracks.

"And you disobeyed me Mia. Do you know what you've allowed to happen." I don't know who I'm talking to. There are so many at fault. Father, Mia, Kochi, myself. It hardly matters.

"Why was I never told of my daughter?" Father is masking his emotions.

"As I've already stated, she is not your daughter. She is mine."

"But she came from me."

"Well, you may want to tell that to mother, because I clearly remember her having to go into the birthing chambers. And I firmly remember being with mother through her mood swings. Being the one that talked her out of killing her child. Allowing her to beat me when she would snap. Making deals. Giving up what little childhood I had in order for Mia to even experience life." She's so tiny. And I can't ease my anger. I don't want to say such things. I have never regretted caring for her. I'm cradling her as if she were a newborn. And in my eyes, that's how she will always be. Demons are not supposed to be nurturing. They are not supposed to care for others, but I do. She's my dear sweet baby sister. The only thing that kept me sane over the years. Hell. She's the only reason I haven't killed myself. The only thing good in my life. She's getting older though. And she's getting weaker.

"Father. It may be to late, but I ask that you try to heal whatever keeps her ill." Kochi is standing in front of Mido-chan. Ready to protect her from me. He steps closer.

"Give her to me." It's difficult to remove my grip from her. I don't trust just anyone with my sister. And no, I don't think he'd hurt her, but she's my child. And now she knows better. He holds her with one arm while the other hand holds the sword. Her eyes are focused, but I don't know what he's looking at. He shakes his head, but doesn't let go of her. "There is no way to heal her. It's to late for that. Maybe when she was still a newborn there would have been a chance, but it's to late to heal her." She nods at him. "She will not live much longer." He strokes her hair. It's affectionate. "At the most, she might live five more days." She nods. Unafraid. Kochi looks green. Father isn't putting her down, so I grab her.

"Kochi, come get her and take her to your lands. Mother will not be able to harm her if she is out of her jurisdiction. Mido, I ask that you do not follow me when I go speak to mother of this." Father isn't moving.

"You have grown much. You seem unfazed by her dying." Kochi has already left with Mia. In two days I will go see her.

"Father, I have been preparing for her death since she was born. She's been sickly her entire life. Pain with every movement. Now, I have to go tell mother that you know of Mia." Mido grabs my arm and I briefly allow her to hold me.

"Midoriko, I'm asking you to stay away from my father, I hardly know the man and I do not trust him with anything I hold dear." She smirks and rolls her eyes.

"Son." I breathe deeply.

"I would sooner consider you dead. You have never seen me as your son. Only as the needed heir. You have replaced mother. And you have replaced me." He doesn't speak. He doesn't deny. "I can not blame you for seeking out a family of your choice. But that doesn't mean that I have to like it. And that does not mean that I have to understand it. Father, I tire of our discussion, just leave like you always do. Go find your human lover and care for your unborn child, and just continue to pretend that you don't have a mate. Or a son. And you defiantly don't have a daughter."

"Sesshy." Mido's hand is tight on my shoulder. "We will find a way to save Mia."

"It's not about that." I don't meant to snap at her. "I can save Mia on my own. It just pisses me off when he shows up pretending he's my father. Pretending he gives a damn about my well being. I've raised myself. I've never needed anyone to protect me, and I don't need it now." I don't talk anymore. I just leave. Mother will need to be told about this. Father doesn't follow, and neither does Mido-chan. I will talk with mother. I will receive my punishment and then I will go seek out the witch.

When did I pull my knees to my chest. For everything to be thrown back into my face. But it's okay. I've outgrown much of my sadness and most of my insecurities. Inuyasha keeps looking at father's face. Trying to memorize it.

"Father died saving you and lady Izoyoi." Even Naruku has stopped his speech.

"I never got to meet him." His words come out slowly. Inuyasha's eyes are still looking at father's face, no doubt trying to memorize it.

"Rest assured. Father had many faults. But he deeply cared for both you and your mother." Everyone is quiet. Looking at me. And that's fine. "You and your momma were so important to him that he gave everything to keep the both of you safe."

"Those words sound familiar. Mom use to say them to me a lot." No she didn't. But no need to spoil the surprise.

"Naruku, aren't you bored of this yet."

"Not at all. I'm fascinated with your relationship to the creator of the jewel of four souls. And how weak you truly are."

"I was still a small child. But very well. Let's continue. I'm growing tired of this cage."

Claws lash into my right cheek as she back hands me. I don't block it, though it wouldn't be difficult to. Mother is cross. But it's my fault. I didn't keep my word. Father knows of Mia.

"You allowed him to find out." Now is not the time to barter with mother.

"Forgive me mother. I was careless."

"How did he find out. Did midoriko or that girl tell your father. I know that you wouldn't be foolish enough to break the deal. So which of those girls was it."

"No mother. It was all my doing. I was hoping that he would give me his sword so that I might save her." I tense ready for the sharp pain, but it doesn't come. No. Her actions are gentle.

"You are trying so hard to do everything." Her hand softly pats my cheek in one of her rare motherly moments. "Sesshomaru, son, you must understand." She kneels down where she is just lower than me. "I know how hard your trying to protect that child. And I know that I didn't do much in the way of mothering, but try to understand. I did what I had to in order to make you stronger. We live in a cruel world, and emotions will only aid in other's taking advantage of you."

"I understand mother."

"And that Midoriko. I like her. She is a tolerable human. No. She at times is more demon than you are. A strong female."

"Mother. I am quite fond of her. Next I see father, I intend to ask him for his assistance. Mother, I also ask for your blessing. You have tried to set up arranged marriages, and all of those demonesses were weak and timid infuriating women." She smirks at me.

"Yes, she would do well as the next lady of the west. I will give you my blessing." I bow slightly.

"Thank you mother."

"Now the matter at hand."

"I have sent Mia to stay with Kochi for now."

"Ah yes, your wolf friend from the north."

"I explained to father that Mia is my child. I must apologize mother. I lost my temper." She nods.

"Yes, your father can be infuriating. I leave the consequences to you. At the prospect of having Midoriko in the family, I am feeling quite forgiving. But. Your child is weak. And sickly. And should an enemy discover her existence, they will use her as leverage. And I will say. I have no qualms about her dying. When she dies I will not grieve."

"Yes mother, I understand. Thank you mother."

"When do you intend to talk with your father?"

"After the child is born. I will seek him out and ask for his assistance." She nods.

"See that you do. I do not want Midoriko escaping. She is strong. Much stronger than you. And the west needs a strong leader."

"I understand mother."

"I certainly wasn't expecting that." It's the spider.

"Thirty-two." Everyone looks at me. "That's the number of arranged marriages that were set up. And everyone of them were disbanded. Because I am impossible to tolerate as I was told. Apparently calling a young girl a hideous troll is frowned upon." It's not difficult to think back. "Girl number one: She never shut up, Number two: She smelled awful, Number three: I don't really remember much about her… Oh yeah, she was forgettable not right for such a high position. Number four: She was to quiet. Never said a word, Number five: was hideous, mostly in personality. Mia had run out to me because she had a nightmare. And number five well. She made cruel comments. So. I made cruel comments back. It continued on. Demonesses still pursued me. But I didn't care. All of them were inadaquent. And before to long, I was on girl thirty two. Most only lasted one meeting. Occasionally one would be persistent, but she too would request the arranged mating would be terminated." I half smirk before I remind myself where I'm at. "Mido was the only woman rightful of the title future lady of the west."

I know the way to well. It's one of the rare occasions that I am alone. I forgot how annoying it can be. Mido left to patrol saying that there has been much foul activity lately. Normally I would go as well, but I told her that I had a few errands to run. I couldn't let her come with me for this. I know of the punishments for these type of crimes. If I'm found out then being a young lord will do me no good. This is my first time actually coming here. But for years I've known her location and now it can't be put off any longer.

I know what actions I must do. I know the words I must say. Just remember your reasons. I see a small circular clearing with trees around it and I know that this is the place. I let out a small breath to calm my nerves before sitting directly in the middle with my legs under me.

"Madam Machi, I seek assistance and am prepared to give the proper compensation." Nobody appears but a clear voice echoes through the trees. It sounds grainy.

"This is no place for a young lord."

"Madam Machi, I seek assistance and am prepared to give the proper compensation." My keep my voice even."

"Could a runt like you even comprehend the harm that could befall you."

"Madam Machi, I know of the punishment for tampering with these forces, but I am prepared."

"Yes my child. Come inside before you are seen." The small field and trees dissolve into a small modest hut that I enter.

Madam Machi, is an older demon. Her age is difficult to determine, but she shows obvious signs of age. And for a demon that speaks volumes. Mother still appears youthful and she Is in her mid eight hundreds.

"Young demon lord. What is it that you desire that you will play with such dark forces."

"A close friend is dying."

"Come now. Do not lie to Madam Machi, it would not be a wise endeavor."

"My sister is dying. She has done no harm in her life and yet she has always been sickly. Her life means more to me than my own. I know that there are dark magics that can extend her life. I have personally experimented with some, but my knowledge is not broad enough." Her eyes are knowing

"Young lord, death will not be cheated. But he can be bargained with. There are many things that you could do to save your sister, however some require a price that is not easily paid." She looks at me calmly. "I know much of you. You are considered a failure as a demon unable to easily conceal emotions that a demon Is ment not to have. And then by some you are known as cold and unfeeling. You put on a good act. But this is no place for one that be as you." She does not intend to harm me but I understand the words she speaks. "There are deals that you can make that will entirely save your sister. But I can see into your soul and I know the price will be to steep for one such as you." She hesitates for a moment and then sits down. "But I suppose I will allow you to make that judgment. To save her life entirely you must retrieve an infant –newborn if possible- and have her ingest it." She looks at me for a moment before getting up and walking to me. She kneels beside me. "And then with that method, there are very specific ways in which to process the newborn." I feel nauseous.

"But I know that though you claim to be empty you could never harm a child much less in so brutal a way. You understand Sesshomaru, death can only be sated by flesh. There is a way to increase her lifespan-though mind you it can only be done for her once and it will only increase her life by a month, in that month she will feel no pain. Physical or otherwise. Normally it costs an arm and a leg for this, but in respect for your father. Just an arm will do." Her hand grabs my arm and she makes a slight cut just above the bend on my elbow. "Until here is what you would have to give up. With time your arm will grow back and incredibly fast if midoriko aids you. With her help your arm could grow back in just under two moon cycles. While she lives she will feel no pain. But at her last moments all of the pain will overtake her. It is possible that when that time comes, you allow her to drink your poisoned blood. It will speed her death, and make it nearly painless. The call my young lord is yours."

"What must I do." She nods. Simply put you much cut off your own arm and then burn it in a fire I have prepared."

"Do you realize how stupid that sounds. Why in the hell would death want an arm."

"Who knows. I'm only telling you what has to be done."

"I have no qualms about harming myself, are there ways to lengthen her life by more than a month."

"Yes. Of course there are. There is one way in which she could live for five moon cycles. But I do not suggest that method. She will live, but everyday she will suffer from inconsolable pain. Her skin will burn her to the point that she will attempt to rip it off her own body. Tears will endlessly fall. In truth she will live. But it is not a life worth living."

"I do not wish for her to feel any pain." She nods.

"young lord, Death does not play fair. The price will always be high."

"I'll cut off my arm. Does it matter which?"

"Left arm is always preferred. But right will be alright as well."

"Fine, lets get started." She hands me a small dagger and then goes to do the other preparation. She's laughing.

"What is funny."

"This will not be the last time that you lose your left arm. Your younger brother will cut off your arm, and more so, you will go into the fight knowing it. You are a remarkable demon. So foreign for a demon to go to such lengths."

"Just don't tell anyone. It would be difficult if my weaknesses were exploited." I follow the mark she made. It would be easier with a larger blade. Less pain would be associated with it. Although the pain doesn't bother me greatly. Blood is already oozing out of the injury.

"Tell me young lord, will you be capable of defending yourself with one arm."

"Mother has always been thorough in her training." I'm more than capable of defending myself blinded, gaged, tied up, and leashed. At the same time.

"That is interesting. Inuyasha were you aware that your brother let you cut off his arm."

"I didn't let him. It was unavoidable, I knew it would happen. But it was not preventable."

"I'm not buying any of this." His voice is sure of itself. "You've always hated me. You've always tried to kill me because you hate that you're related to a half breed." He sneers at those words.

"I have only done what I must."

"Hardly, all of this is painting you like some tragic heroic character. When really you're just a heartless jerk. This has to be staged."

"Inuyasha. When you were a small child you would have this nightmare. You would be surrounded by fire. You couldn't breathe. You would scream for help, but your voice would stay silent. Everything is burning and your frozen in place. Your insides feel cold. And you always wake up screaming." His eyes are wide and then they form a very sure glare.

"I don't know how you know about that. I never told anyone. Not even mother."

"You told me. You would wake me up in the middle of the night. More than once I had to help you change because you wet yourself."

"You're lying."

"If I am lying, then how do I know such a well-guarded secret."

"I don't know. But somehow you are."

"Inuyasha, I could list numerous events from your childhood. But everyone will see them soon enough. I'm sorry that something so private will be paraded around just because this spider thinks he can break me. But nothing can break me."

"Big brother, what happened."

"What are you talking about my sweet forgiving sister?" She's angry. Hell hath no fury like Mia when she's pissed.

"Who hurt you? I will kill the stupid bastard that thinks they can get away with it."

"I have no idea what you are talking about. Nothing at all is wrong with me and Mido chan needs me way away from here." She grabs the arm that remains. Her eyes are sad. She's been healthier lately. I'm so glad.

"Big brother. I am worried about you. Did mother do this. Or was it someone else. I don't like the thought of you hurting."

"I promise sister, I am perfectly fine."

She refused to speak to me for several days. Kochi wasn't as angry. Mia though angry understood my actions and in four days she was back to talking to me.

"Sesshy, do you know what could happen if the wrong person found out that you prolonged her life."

"Mido, I only bargained with death, not cheated him."

"But do you know."

"Yes Mido, I knew the consequences." She tackles me to the ground. I'm pinned down. Her eyes flicker in rage and fury.

"Tell me."

"The worst possible punishment, My life would be forfeit and my soul trapped in an eternity of torture." Her fist connects to my face.

"You may not value your life, but you are not to do something so rash ever again." She climes back up her rage gone. "Without me at least."

"Mido, if you were to be caught, your punishment would be much worse than mine." She smiles at me the way she does so often.

"Sesshomaru, I will follow you anywhere."

"And I would follow you anywhere." Her smile falters for a moment.

"You can't, there are places that you can't follow me to."

"I don't want to be anywhere where you aren't." I pull my knees up to my chest, the position is awkward without my left arm.

"Sesshomaru, humans don't live as long as demons do."

"For those situations a knife is a quick remedy."