I am so very sorry for not updating, unfortunately, life got in the way. I will be updating more often. So, to make it up to you guys I have posted a super-duper long chapter...it will not be featuring Inuyasha. I know I said it would be but my plans have changed, he will definitely be in the next chapter though. Sorry again for the wait, enjoy.

After spending a few more hours with Lady Kimi, Sesshomaru and Amaya set off once again. We headed towards the children in silence, riding on our clouds of yoki. The two demons lightly landed in the clearing they had left their little group in, sharp eyes scanning the area for anything suspicious. Together they walked towards the dim fire and looked at the sleeping humans and dragons. What Amaya saw brought a smile to her face. Matsu and Rin were lying across the two dragon's legs, face to face and fast asleep. The two dragons were also asleep side by side, their long necks covering the children's torsos. Jaken was staring at the fire, unaware of Sesshomaru and Amaya's presence. The silence was broken with Sesshomaru's deep voice

"Jaken"

The green imp leapt into the air, letting out a silent scream as he clutched his chest with a stubby hand.

"Lord Sesshomaru! You have returned!"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, obviously they had returned. What a stupid little demon.

At Jaken's exclamation the rest of the group woke up, letting out yawns and stretching out stiff limbs. The first to fully awaken was Rin, who ran excitedly towards the stoic male demon.

"Lord Sesshomaru, I'm so glad you have returned! I wasn't too lonely this time because Matsu kept me company, we played lots of games and he taught me…"

The girl rambled on about her adventures with Matsu as the slightly older and significantly calmer boy approached her. Speaking in his even tone he spoke above Rin's voice.

"My Lady, I am happy you have returned, I hope your trip was pleasant."

Giving a small smile at his maturity and politeness she answered

"Yes Matsu, it was a pleasant trip, I hope you were behaving yourself while I was gone."

Plastering an innocent look on his face he teasingly responded

"Of course I behaved myself, when have I ever given you reason to doubt me."

Giving a laugh she patted him on the head. Turing back to the demon lord she saw him looking at the little human girl, kneeling so they were eye to eye. She watched him curiously, he did not seem the type to care for a human but he protects her and cares for her…In time, she would discover the true Sesshomaru.

They set out when the sun rose, Sesshomaru and Amaya walked side by side, keeping a steady pace. They crossed no demons or animals that day, all of them fled from the power the two demons radiated. The children rode on their respective dragons, in a sleepy daze. Deciding that the silence was not to her liking, Amaya turned her violet eyes to the demon next to her.

"Your lands are very beautiful Sesshomaru."

His golden eyes slanted towards her

"I suppose so; the Western Lands have always been blessed with life and beauty."

Silence ruled once again, until Sesshomaru spoke quietly

"And your lands how are they?"

Lifting a black eyebrow, she teasingly joked

"The great Lord Sesshomaru wishes to know about my humble mountains, I'm flattered."

The only answer she got was silence, heaving a sigh, she wistfully began.

"The Eastern Mountains are the most beautiful mountains I have ever laid eyes on. They rise high up into the clouds, and are covered in massive pine trees. The top, where we dwell, is rather frigid and covered with pristine white snow. The lower portion of the mountain is lush and green, with an abundance of animals. The air is crisp and fresh, I love the smell. The great mountain spirit truly blessed us when he gave us the land. There is plenty of food, water and land for everyone and though the barrier at times isolates us from the outside world, it keeps us protected and our culture alive. You will see my lands icy beauty for yourself when you go there; I believe you will enjoy it just as much as I do."

Again, there was silence. Amaya thought of her beloved home, her people and the enemies that threatened the peace until Sesshomaru's voice cut through her thoughts

"Is that why you chose the boy as your companion, because of the smell?"

Violet eyes widened, had he figured it out so quickly?

"Yes, Matsu scent reminds me of my home, but his mind fascinates me. For a child he is clever and wise beyond his years, and because of this was an outcast. He saw the world in grey's instead on black and white. He was the first human who did not run away from me. Somehow, we entered a long discussion and I promised to take him away from the village who thought him a wicked boy who was a demon sympathizer."

Sesshomaru looked at her from the corner of his eye, how her black hair tinted with purple highlights swayed in the breeze. The jagged dark blue cheek stripes that contrasted beautifully with her pale features, she was lovely. Never had he scrutinized a female so thoroughly, they were just tools to take his needs out of, to manipulate to get what he wanted. But from the minute he saw her fight that ogre he knew she was different, an equal.

After their conversation, they continued on in silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Sesshomaru pondering how to convince her to become his mate and Amaya thinking of her home and the panther demons who would pay for their foolishness.

That night, when all the others were asleep the two taiyokai stood gazing at the night sky. Amaya lowered herself to the ground and sat with her legs crossed.

She turned her face up to the stoic demon next to her.

"Sesshomaru, sit down with me."

He raised a silver brow, no one but his mother and father had spoken to him in such a manner…but for some reason he was not terribly bothered. He complied and gracefully sat next to her, his legs stretched out in front of him. Their mokomoko's touched, causing a shiver to run up his spine.

Amaya sighed, still gazing at the moon. In a casual tone that contradicted the severe expression on her face she asked.

"So, tell me what your brother, Inuyasha, is like."

She felt him stiffen slightly and his face darken.

"I do not consider that hanyou my brother; he is rash, idiotic and has no control or poise. He is not worthy of carrying my father's blood… a disgrace to the family."

His voice was cold and hard, Amaya looked at him…the magenta stripes and icy amber eyes. He was the epitome of yokai nobility. Sesshomaru was powerful, poised, intelligent and handsome. Hanyou's were more hated than humans…having one as a sibling was a blow to the perfect image he had crafted. Nevertheless, family was family, especially to pack demons like Inuyokai.

"If you dislike Inuyasha so much why are we searching for him?"

She received a glare, but seeing as it had no effect, continued.

"With him he has a miko who can detect shards from the Shikon Jewel, since Naraku seeks to complete it, she is valuable in tracking him. Also, Inuyasha inherited the Tessaiga, a powerful sword my father left him….it is also useful to me. I once lusted after the sword, I was envious and enraged that father left the sword to Inuyasha and not to me. I cannot even touch it, there is a barrier preventing any demon from wielding it."

Amaya contemplated his answer for some time, her mind whirring.

"If the sword is so important, I can give it to you. Breaking the barrier will be a simple matter."

Sesshomaru's lips twitched upwards for a brief moment.

"At one time, I would have accepted your offer. But now I have an even more powerful sword…my Bakusaiga along with a sword of healing. Let my half-brother keep the sword, he needs it far more than I."

She looked at his hip next to her. She could feel the power radiating from one of them…the other radiated a strange warmth.

"I see."

Sesshomaru only nodded and silence ruled over once again. They sat next together watching the sky until dawn, when it was time to continue their search.

Sesshomaru and Amaya woke their group and lead the way, their steps steady and sure. Sesshomaru did not know where Inuyasha and his group were, but decided to head to his brother's forest and as a starting point. While Sesshomaru contemplated directions, Amaya thought about Sesshomaru.

'He is an interesting demon. Though he is rather cold and seems distant, but that is to be expected of any noble…including myself. Choosing a mate now would be foolish, I could die in the upcoming war and you only mate once. I do not wish to ruin Sesshomaru's chances…he has been generous enough even if we would make a smart pair and have strong children. But I cannot think too much on this matter, I need to focus on my people and defeating this Naraku. Time is running out for me and if the Eastern Mountain's barrier begins to fail, one of my messengers will alert me and I will return regardless if Sesshomaru is ready.'

Next to her, Sesshomaru was scrutinizing his walking companion as well and the ultimatum his mother gave him.

'Amaya is different from the other noble females. She does not attempt to seduce me or gain my favor through deceit. She would be a valuable ally, my life would be significantly easier if gaining her as an ally was my only mission. Unfortunately, luck is not with me. Mother had to demand I take a mate at a rather difficult time. Also, mates are chosen only once. If a mistake is made then either Amaya or I will suffer for it. Females are far too much trouble….sneaky, cunning and manipulative. Though Amaya does not revolt me…she is too powerful. Two alphas mating is unheard of. Perhaps I can appease mother if I tell her I am beginning the courting process to make our union more fruitful. Yes, she would be pleased with that. I just have to find a way to get closer to Amaya to complete my deception.'

Both taiyokai's were lost in their thoughts, a small voice drew their attention back to reality.

"Lord Sesshomaru, I am hungry."

The group paused, Sesshomaru looked at Rin, hearing her growling stomach. After a few measures of silence he answered

"Fetch yourself some food, take Ah-Un"

"Okay!" was Rin's cheery reply, she ran up to the dragon and climbed on his back.

"Let's go Ah-Un!"

Before they could take off into the air, a voice stopped them.

"Wait!" Matsu called out, he ran up to Amaya and spoke quickly

"My Lady, may I accompany Rin?" She gave him a small smile before speaking.

"I do not mind, but it is Sesshomaru who you must ask."

Brown eyes swept nervously from demon to demon, before Matsu cautiously spoke

"Lord Sesshomaru, may I accompany Rin?"

The stoic taiyokai stared at the young boy in front of him, gold eyes intense.

"You may."

Matsu beamed up at the them before quickly bowing and running back to Rin. The children giggled and laughed as Ah-Un took to the air. Both of them waving at two demons below them.

Deciding to set up camp, Amaya started a fire and laid out the children's beds. Once she finished she walked up to Sesshomaru, curiously asking.

"How did you meet young Rin?"

Sesshomaru did not move, and gave no sign of hearing her, but she knew differently and waited for his response.

"I was injured and resting in the woods. Rin was a village orphan, she stumbled upon me and brought me food and water every day, even when I told her it was unnecessary. When I was about to leave, I smelled her blood and found her dead in the forest, she had been attacked by wolves. I revived Rin with Tenseiga and ever since she has followed me."

Amaya pondered the story, Sesshomaru probably did not realize it, but subconsciously he had been forming a pack, but he was missing one piece….a mate. She told herself to ask him about why he had not mated when night fell. Already she heard the children making their way back to camp.

Night fell once again, and there still was no sign of Inuyasha and his group. Sesshomaru and Amaya sat together high up in a tree. Once again, they sat gazing at the night sky, the full moon beckoned to their blood, asking to be released.

Suddenly, Amaya turned to the demon next to her.

"Why have you not taken a mate?"

Gold eyes quickly swept toward her, they stared at one another. Gold versus violet.

"I could ask you the same question, you have been ready for mating for centuries now."

She gave him a smirk, revealing one glistening fang.

"That may be true, but you know my situation is a bit different."

"Not by much"

Purple eyes narrowed "What is that supposed to mean Sesshomaru."

Calmly he replied "If you wished, you could have taken a mate. Either you do not want children or weak suitors have come for your hand."

Glaring at him she retorted "If that is the case for me then I suppose you deem yourself above all the females you encounter, or I may be mistaken and you have no interest in females at all."

"I did not peg you as one who listens to rumors from bitter demonesses, if this is your petty way of getting revenge, you have failed."

Silence reigned for a moment, then, Amaya did something no one had ever dared to do.

She pushed him off the tree. Granted, it did no damage to him since he landed lightly on his feet, but nonetheless, it was insulting.

He turned to glare up at her, but she was no longer there, instead he found himself face to face with narrowed violet eyes.

"Perhaps I was being petty with my remark, but I have no wish for a mate who could not best me in battle, nor a mate who is only after my title. You do not know anything about me and my desires for not taking a mate. I have heard the stories of you sexual prowess and how you discard the females after you have finished. You give them nothing, tell them nothing. They are merely objects to you."

He stared at her his eyes narrowing at her tone "Those females know exactly what will happen if they pursue me. It should be reward enough that I even give them a second glance."

She snorted and turned away "Such arrogance."

Stepping up to her Sesshomaru grabbed her wrist. "I have heard stories of you as well Amaya, you are not innocent. You take many lovers at once…at least I only take one at a time."

Amaya glared at Sesshomaru's arm encircling her wrist, suddenly her expression changed into a smirk. Pressing against him, she whispered in his ear.

"I suppose we are both guilty Sesshomaru, we cannot resist our instincts. The question now is what will we do about it?"

The question hung in the air, Amaya still pressed against his chest. He looked down at her, eyebrow raised. Her smirk widened, revealing a glistening fang.

Clawed fingers traced a pattern on his armor, then further up to his neck.

Sesshomaru's arm whipped out, catching the wandering hand.

"Stop"

Amaya giggled, then twirled away from him, her lilac mokomoko brushing his.

"All males are the same, no matter who they are."

And with that she vanished, leaving Sesshomaru startled and confused.

Sesshomaru arrived at the camp just as dawn broke, everyone still fast asleep. Gold eyes swept the area, but he already knew Amaya was not among them.

He leaned back against a tree and closed his eyes, he found himself thinking of the female taiyokai once again. She was strange, though her expression, like his, rarely changed and she held herself like a noble, she was anything but. Amaya is playful, coy, beautiful and intelligent. Not to mention extremely powerful. She awoke instincts which he had not felt in awhile.

Being in another inuyokai's presence stirred his mating instincts and his male ego. He felt the need to prove himself to her, in every way possible. The urge was annoying but not unmanageable.

He felt a breeze pass by him and slowly opened his eyes, revealing Amaya leaning over him. Her face inches from his own.

"What are you doing" he blandly asked

"Making sure you are not asleep, we cannot let our guard down." Was her reply, her eyes serious.

His eyes traced the jagged, midnight blue stripes on her cheeks, then down to full lips. Suddenly, his head was gently lifted by a clawed finger under his chin.

Sparkling eyes met his and in a teasing voice she whispered

"Like what you see Sesshomaru?"

Swatting her hand away, he stood up, jostling Amaya in the process.

That was when he noticed the two dead deer on the floor, their necks broken. He raised an eyebrow at the demoness next to him.

"I thought a decent breakfast was in order. We can preserve the extra meat for later."

She lifted the carcasses before beginning to prepare the meat for cooking. Thirty minutes later, the deer were roasting on spit. Two legs were missing from the largest. While the meat cooked, Amaya brought over the raw deer legs, stripped of fur and hooves.

"Would you like one, Sesshomaru?"

He contemplated he food in front of him, taiyokai's did not need to eat every day, or even every week. There yoki sustained them, but only if they could collect it from other demons. Which is why taiyokai killed other demons often, to sustain themselves. It had been at least a week since Sesshomaru had killed something, he probably should eat to keep his strength.

He nodded his head and the leg was placed on a stone in front of him. He carefully cut the meat into slices with his claws before slowly consuming it. He looked beside him and saw Amaya doing the same.

They ate in silence, he finished first and went to cleanse himself at the nearby pond. Amaya woke the children and gave them pieces of meat, as well as some roots and berries she found. Slabs of meat were also given to the dragons who eagerly gulped it down. By the end, only a few pounds were left, she set them to dry in the sun for preservation.

When Sesshomaru returned, the group of seven set out in search of Inuyasha and his group. Hours were spent in silence, even the children. Matsu was the first to break the silence.

Excitedly Matsu spoke "Rin, do you know how to make flower wreaths?"

Jumping in Ah-Un's saddle, she responded "No"

Jumping down from Kaida's back and helping Rin down from Ah-Un's he began collecting flowers, stem and all. Rin eagerly helped him, humming a tune as she collected.

The two inuyokai's continued on, listening to the surrounding forest for potential threats. Amaya listened as Matsu explained how to make flower wreaths, he was patient and direct and Rin learned quickly. About an hour later and after many failed attempts Rin came running up to Sesshomaru.

"Lord Sesshomaru, look what I made for you. It's a flower necklace, isn't it pretty?'

Glancing at the small child beside him he nodded his head.

"Lord Sesshomaru, aren't you going to take it?'

"Rin, I am too old for such foolishness."

On his other side, Amaya glared at him, but became distracted when Matsu approached her.

"Lady Amaya, I have made you a wreath as well."

She looked at the boy and the wreath of purple and white flowers in his hand. She smiled softly and kneeled down. Rising up to his tiptoes, he gently placed it on her head. Matsu smiled at her

"My lady, you look beautiful, as always."

Patting his head Amaya replied "Thank you Matsu, the wreath is beautiful as well."

Standing up, Amaya glared at Sesshomaru once again, her eyes softened when she saw Rin's trembling lip and watery eyes.

Walking up the teary child she kneeled in front of her. Fingering the blue and white wreath in her hands.

"What a lovely wreath Rin, you must have worked very hard on it."

Rin nodded while wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

"I-I made it for Lord Sesshomaru so he would know that I'm thankful to him, because he lets me stay with him. And Jaken is wearing his wreath.

She looked to the green imp, seeing the yellow wreath the adorned his fat neck. Glancing up at Sesshomaru, she spoke in an icy tone.

"I'm sure Sesshomaru would love to wear your necklace, especially since you worked so hard on it."

Standing up, her violet eyes bore into his, daring him to refuse. In a voice that the humans in the group could not hear, she whispered.

"You will wear the necklace Sesshomaru, it will not kill you to put it on, at least until the flowers die. Or are you so cruel that you enjoy making little girls cry."

Sesshomaru glared at her before giving a soft sigh and kneeling down. He lowered his head and Rin happily placed the wreath around his neck. Standing back up he softly spoke.

"Thank you Rin"

Rin giggled and laughingly yelled

"Lord Sesshomaru, you look pretty!"

Giving a small chuckle, Amaya corrected the little girl.

"No Rin, not pretty….handsome. Sesshomaru looks handsome."

Amaya smirked at Sesshomaru before giving him a wink.

The rest of the day was spent in peace, with the children fashioning giant wreaths for the dragons to wear, but there was still no sign of Inuyasha.

Once again, night fell. The stars twinkled like diamonds in the endless black sky. It was becoming a nightly ritual for the two inuyokai, they would stay up and talk during the night or just enjoy the others company. Tonight was different though.

Amaya suddenly stopped walking and sniffed the air. Curious eyes watched her every move. Then a smirk formed on her lips

"I smell a hot spring nearby"

Behind her, she heard Jaken snort and sarcastically mumble "Only a female would stop for such a ridiculous reason, and I thought we were actually in danger."

Without turning around, Amaya blandly replied "Little imp, you should hold your tongue since out of all of us, it is you most in need of a bath. Your scent offends me."

The little green demon gave a strangled gasp and raising his staff yelled

"Why you little conni-" before he could finish his sentence, a cool voice spoke

"Jaken"

Cautiously peering up at his lord, Jaken replied "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?"

Icy golden eyes bore through him and an equally icy voice sent tremors down the little demon's spine.

"Be quiet"

"Yes, my lord."

Satisfied that the matter was settled, Amaya spoke once again.

"We should make camp here, the children, Kaida and I shall go first."

Everyone, except Jaken, nodded in agreement. The children boarded Kaida and they leapt into the air, following Amaya towards the hot spring.

Amaya sunk deep into the hot water a sigh of contentment leaving her lips. She had sent the children back to Jaken and Sesshomaru on Kaida, leaving her in solitude. She peacefully soaked in the water, her muscles relaxing. A while later, Amaya's lips curved into a small smile.

"You can come out now."

Not a sound was made but Amaya sensed his presence coming closer and soon his scent.

Her back was to him, all he could see was the dark mass of hair that flowed down her back.

"You take too long."

Amaya chuckled, of course that would be the first thing he said.

"Sesshomaru, if you are so eager to take a bath then come join me."

Sesshomaru raised a silver brow, even if she couldn't see it.

"I would rather not."

Partially turning, Amaya looked him in the eyes, tilting her head to the side she innocently asked

"Do not tell me you are being modest Sesshomaru. Or perhaps you do not wish for me to see something…I promise I won't laugh if that is the case."

His eyes narrowed at her, his lips turning down into a frown when she turned away from him. He quickly stripped off his armor and carefully folded his clothes on a clean rock. Focusing his energy, he retracted is mokomoko back into his body.

Slipping next to Amaya in the hot spring the two taiyokai's soaked in silence for awhile. While Amaya's eyes were closed he took careful note of her once again. He could clearly see the dark blue stripes on her wrists, moving upwards he traced a path up her arm, seeing the smooth muscle that lay just under her skin. Unfortunately, her hair blocked any other view he may have had of the rest of her body.

Still keeping her eyes closed Amaya asked the demon next to her

"You act like a true noble Sesshomaru, yet you have forgotten your roots as an inuyokai, why is that?"

Her eyes opened, waiting for his response. Sesshomaru pondered her question, he had noticed that she tried to engage him in common inuyokai behavior, but to him, it was below him. He had no need to speak the inuyokai language or to play silly games. He rarely even went into his true form anymore.

After a minute of waiting he simply answered "It is unnecessary"

"You are being foolish, no matter what you may think you are an inuyokai…suppressing your instincts like this is dangerous. One day you may find your inner inu spirit broken and thus, you become mad. Unable to return to your humanoid form ever again, doomed to walk the earth a crazed animal, all because you suppressed your needs as an inuyokai."

In a flash, Sesshomaru had Amaya pinned to the side of the hot spring. His wrist stripes parallel to her cheek stripes as they blocked her escape.

"What do you want from me Amaya, I shall help you win your war once Naraku is defeated, that is all. Yet you constantly tease me and berate me. Do you want me to worship you like a lovesick pup? Or perhaps you wish to bed me? Whatever your intention is, it is not mine; what we have is an alliance, nothing more."

Glaring down at her, he met her shocked purple eyes. Sesshomaru watched as they turned dull and sad. Looking off to the side she softly spoke.

"These may be my last weeks on this earth. The war may kill me, and if it does I want to know my last weeks were lived to the fullest. My whole life I have been bred to rule the eastern lands…I had to be cold and the perfect example for the people. I know my people love me, and I love them, I would die for them! But, all I want is to be free, for just a while. Free of these heavy burdens of ruling. I was hoping I could find these things with you Sesshomaru, you are like me. Feared and respected, but lonely. That is why you have taken Rin and Jaken under your protection, they are your family…because we cannot find one in our world."

Sometime during her speech, her hand had lifted to trace his cheek markings, all the while he looked at her face intently. Sensing her sadness and pain as if it was his own, he knew it was his own. Never could he put words to the ache he felt inside, nothing could fill it. Women, power, death…nothing. When he found Rin and Jaken, his pain lessened, now he knew what he was missing, family.

Inuyokai's are social creatures, forming large families and creating groups when they left their family. They needed another being to comfort them, to fight with to do everything with, but that is the burden of a taiyokai. Respected but feared, even their own kind did not form strong bonds with them, for fear that the taiyokai would turn on them.

Sesshomaru backed away and swam to sit next to her. Amaya leaned into his shoulder and toyed with strands of silver hair while Sesshomaru drew patterns on her arm. Despite being naked and in a hot spring, neither demon felt inclined to do anything but sit in companionable silence.

Thank you again for your patience, you don't have to review...I don't deserve it right now. A new chapter, featuring Inuyasha will be posted soon...like in two days.