Chapter 2

On the other side of Japan, in Okayama city, Okayama Prefecture of the Chugoku Region, in the capital of the ancient empire of the South, a silhouette stood out towards the grand window as he looked down.

Seventy floors… That's a long drop… The man mused as he stared down below with the evening sun setting over the horizon, and the city's people scurrying about to finish about their business before the night sky would rise above their heads declaring that the beginning of a night; a night which held a strange feeling, especially the coming one, and with the eve giving way to night-life none have seen, with the creatures finally free from their bonds of society for their day, it would truly be dangerous with present situation.

He didn't turn around as the door creaked open, and made no acknowledgement of the said action either, he just continued, he just continued to stare out down below as the people moved about not even knowing that a war, a war – he thought, is going on and they (the people) just go about their own business, not giving a damn about anything or anyone else. It still hurt him that people could change so much and forget, but as some say, what better you can expect from the human race.

"I guess it's a good thing that they have no idea of all that's going on. Don't you?" the man spoke as he walked into the office, his steps silent to all ears, especially if they were of a human, yet they felt as if they were echoing in the man's ears as he stared out the window.

"Definitely. Sometimes it's just better to be the ignorant one. God knows how many times I've dreamt of being in their position"

Most people jump or have a tickle of sweat going down their brows at the sound of the black haired man's deep, baritone, almost silent voice, which at the same time, can make a dent in the will of the strongest of people… Yet, the man who walked in kept his mirth-full smile on his youth-full face, even though his eyes, deep, forest-green, spoke of volumes of wisdom far too much for such a young one… Especially when they held such sorrow…

"You can say I know that better than anyone… Sometimes even more than yourself… Are you done sulking in your corner? I have some very important news, and it might just make your day. Or night" not many people could speak to the man as such, and not many survived after speaking as such to the said man.

"Alright, what do you want?" without turning back, treading a hand though his jet-black hair, a sign of frustration, and with a barely audible sigh, he spoke…

"They've found her. They've found Kagome. Actually, Lord Touga did" the man spoke as his green-eyes sparkled with joy at just speaking of such news… It truly was the best of news they had heard in the past three years since her sudden disappearance and the other events that followed in chain. Noticing the slight shift in the man's posture as he stood up straighter, if possible, definitely happier at the news of her return, the green-eyed man spoke once again, "Do you need Keiji for the evening? And is there anything else you want? The kids want me home soon… Something about having a

'Father-Children Bonding Time', just some human tradition"

"Yes. And, no. I'll need Keiji, but not you"

"Geez, nice way to show your appreciation to your most loyal subordinate"

"Don't you have to be somewhere already?" with a sigh the man spoke as he finally turned towards the green-eyed man.

"I'll be gone soon. But, hey, just remember; don't hold onto the guilt any longer. You couldn't help her. None of us could. But, you still managed to keep Kohoko safe. None of us are that powerful, and none have the power to decide who lives and who doesn't. We can revive them, but not forever. Not you, not Touga or any of the others… That's why, you guys have friends. You have to go on. Honour their memories by doing as such. You remember you are the one that told us that when father and mum passed away. Even Sesshomaru's doing better after the ordeal he and the little ones had to go through after Kagura's passing. Just remember, we're all here." With a sigh, the green-eyed man treaded his hand through his brown mane, just as the man before him did a few moments ago.

"Goodnight father" turning around, without looking back, he said his greeting with a hand in the air as a wave; he started to walk out the room, towards the huge mahogany door.

His crimson eyes trailed the man as he nodded his head and returned the greeting with a goodnight, his eyes lost focus of the man walking out his door, as he remembered the last time he saw Kagome and the chain of events that followed her disappearance; the same evening.

That Evening, the lives lost dug deep into his soul – a trench; a trench which can never be filled.

Walking out the door, with his mind made up, his direction of actions set, almost subconsciously, he pressed the button on his private elevator to head down to the main entrance to his office. Just, almost absent minded he nodded his head to all the 'good-evening sirs' which were heard in almost every direction he turned.

As he reached the entrance to the building, did he realise that Pietro, the annoying green-eyed, brown-haired, right-hand in all business, foster son, probable heir apparent with his brother, had already called to have the boss's limo ready. At least he's doing his job properly… At last… The crimson-eyed, jet-black haired man mused as the door was held open by one of his most trusted staff member, Keiji, his butler, chauffer and occasional sparing partner plus source of rational reasoning, and man who is allowed to hit him on his head and steer him in the right direction if needed, spoke, "Is it to the airport then, sir?"

Time does take a toll… On all…Even on one as such as Pietro and Astore… the crimson-eyed man mused as he recalled the boys' actions just weeks ago, and how unstable the two were just two-and half years ago…

With a smile on his face, one of the few he ever has, the crimson-eyed man spoke, "Yes. Tokyo. Can you also call the staff at the mansion in Tokyo and tell them that I will be staying there indefinitely. Oh, and -"

Cutting the crimson-eyed man with a gentle smile, with his own grey eyes sparkling with softness and understanding and a longing in them, he spoke, "All arrangements are made and done. Master Pietro made the arrangements before he left" gesturing with his open hand, to enter the limo and sit down, he closed the door as the crimson-eyed man sat in. Closing the door, the engine with a silent roar, he drove away as the sun finally set in Okayama City.

Inside, the man's crimson eyes stood out as a fire-fly would during the darkest of nights. Picking up the phone, he dialled a number memorised over the ages.

At the fourth ring, he heard the voice of the one he wanted to talk to, "Touga. It's me Yukiatsu, we have to talk"